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Mumbai's Dabbawala: The Uncommon Story of the Common Man
They may be a tiny cog in the machine – but the intrepid Dabbawalas of Mumbai deliver 200,000 meals every day from homes to offices within three hours. Their clockwork precision and incredibly low error rate has got the world to sit up and take note of this awesome army of 5000 men, who make sure office-goers get a hot, home-cooked meal every day, come rain or shine. It is a stupendous feat of coordination, efficiency, honesty and sheer hard work that could teach many a corporate honcho a lesson or two in running a business successfully. The humble dabbawalas of Mumbai shot into fame when Prince Charles requested a meeting with them on a visit to the city in 2003, after having seen a BBC documentary on them. It was a meeting that the heir to the British throne did not forget. In April 2005, the Dabbawalas Association received an invitation to the wedding of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker-Bowles. A few days later, Sopan Rao Rao Mare and Raghunath Medge attended the royal wedding as representatives of the Dabbawalas Association. The story is narrated alternately by the man who has made it happen – Raghunath Medge, president of the Dabbawalas Association, and the author Shobha Bondre. .
- GenresIndiaNonfictionBusiness
156 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
20 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 9, 2020
Enjoyed reading this book
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March 8, 2025Read for class. I don't really have a rating for this because this is so different from what I'd read on my own that I don't even really know how to evaluate it. It was interesting to read about the Dabbawalas because I'd never heard of them before. However, I found that the narrative choice of weaving between the POVs of Raghunath Medge and the author had the effect of making the book something between a personal account of their experiences and an informative portrait while not quite being either. It suffices as an introduction to their story though and does provide good insight into their lives and experiences.
August 12, 2015
Had always read about these brilliant people in news and periodicals, but being turned into a book is commendable.
Shobha does a good job in the narration and knew perfectly where to start this more than hundred year old story.
Her collection of anecdotes and detailed explanation of the dabbawala code is beautiful.
Shobha does a good job in the narration and knew perfectly where to start this more than hundred year old story.
Her collection of anecdotes and detailed explanation of the dabbawala code is beautiful.
April 21, 2013
The uncommon story of the common man told in a simple yet interesting manner. Shows what goes into building an efficient organisation and gives a number of managerial lessons in a non preachy manner. Worth a read.
November 1, 2020
A simple narration of a big group of ordinary service providers, their lives...
July 7, 2020
Shobha Bondre's translated title, Mumbai's Dabbawalas is the story of dabbawalas (tiffin carriers) of Mumbai, of how the "more than 125 years" old system started and evolved through the years. Mumbai's Dabbawalas recognized as "Six Sigma" organization by Forbes, featured in an article in Time magazine, a story on BBC, entered the Guinness Book of World Records, Ripley's Believe it or not, Prince Charles and Richard Branson have met them, they were even invited to Prince Charles wedding in England, there is a Bollywood movie based on dabbawala service, innumerable TED talks, the list seems endless. What is most surprising is that the dabbawalas who have studied on an average up to eighth grade have made all these possible through their sincerity, hard work and will power. The book is divided into two parts, first part is an account from Raghunath Medge (head of Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers) and second part is from the author. The book talks about all the things that make up the dabbawala system -the tiffin coding system, the box crate, the simple dress (dhoti, pyjama and Gandhi cap), the relay system of 3-4 dabbawalas who deliver the tiffin from the customer's house to the customer, Mumbai railways, cycles and time management, the vast Mumbai city. The parts that I really liked and amazed me are that the dabbawalas are not dependent on any technology, they prefer to use their brain and put their heart into it to do their jobs effectively, their simplicity, honesty and hard work and ultimately the level of trust that customers have in them. Due to all these reasons, the "more than 125 years" old system is still going strong. Truly an uncommon story of common man!
May 1, 2019
Unlike many other businesses, this one has its roots since 1890's, but like any other business; it survived because it changed with time. Here again, change is wehmently opposed by many, but when success starts pouring in, people start accepting !
Control is of utmost importance in any business. This one also survived because they brought uniformity (via symbols etc.), transparency in business dealings, keeping customers as their top priority, brought in discipline (fines on errors and strict implementation) and above all : A system of co-creation and wealth sharing, very much similar to the shares we have today !
Some other facts about the business -
-Awarded six sigma process award :Errors close to as low as one in 6 million
-Most of the dabbawas are illeterate and rely on set of symbols to guide them
-Believed to have started by Madhu Bacche around 1890, business was always set up on grounds of precision, coordination and discipline
-There is a traditional holding of court every fortnight to discuss problems, resolve issues and take disciplinary actions
-Over 80% of dabbawalas are illeterate and the rest of them have studied upto class 7,8
A system so old continues to reform towards efficiency
Control is of utmost importance in any business. This one also survived because they brought uniformity (via symbols etc.), transparency in business dealings, keeping customers as their top priority, brought in discipline (fines on errors and strict implementation) and above all : A system of co-creation and wealth sharing, very much similar to the shares we have today !
Some other facts about the business -
-Awarded six sigma process award :Errors close to as low as one in 6 million
-Most of the dabbawas are illeterate and rely on set of symbols to guide them
-Believed to have started by Madhu Bacche around 1890, business was always set up on grounds of precision, coordination and discipline
-There is a traditional holding of court every fortnight to discuss problems, resolve issues and take disciplinary actions
-Over 80% of dabbawalas are illeterate and the rest of them have studied upto class 7,8
A system so old continues to reform towards efficiency
May 26, 2020
Completed Mumbai’s Dabbawalla by Shobha Bondre
This is *not* a book that will help you understand the technicalities of the Dabawallas as to how they manage to work with this precision and how they have achieved the six sigma (making them share the list with the likes of GE).
But this is a book that will tell you what these people, 90% of whom are illiterate have in common that have made them master the concept of relays and how customer service, pride of their work and origins from the clan of Shivaji make them best at their work.
This is a story primarily revolving around Raghunath Megde (current president of the association) and how he took on the reins from his father to build a completely socialist and value driven organisation.
Focus on customer service and deep belief in your origins along with unimaginable discipline is what sets the Dabbawallas unique.
This is *not* a book that will help you understand the technicalities of the Dabawallas as to how they manage to work with this precision and how they have achieved the six sigma (making them share the list with the likes of GE).
But this is a book that will tell you what these people, 90% of whom are illiterate have in common that have made them master the concept of relays and how customer service, pride of their work and origins from the clan of Shivaji make them best at their work.
This is a story primarily revolving around Raghunath Megde (current president of the association) and how he took on the reins from his father to build a completely socialist and value driven organisation.
Focus on customer service and deep belief in your origins along with unimaginable discipline is what sets the Dabbawallas unique.
Read
July 23, 2020Śobhā Bondre book on Dabbawala is book on lifes of Mumbai Dabbawala a lunchbox delivery and return system that delivers hot lunches from homes and restaurants to people at work . The lunchboxes are picked up in the late morning, delivered predominantly using bicycles and railway trains, and returned empty in the afternoon.
Dabbawala is awarded Six Sigma due to its less than 1% mistake in delivery system,and customer trust Dabbawala much, even they may place expensive items in tiffin box which will reach their home correctly.
This book provides us details on how Dabbawala are delivering lunchbox . Book start with some of Dabbawala got invitation for Prince Charles marriage. Prince Charles meet them while his visit to India and invited them for his marriage.
This book deals with life of Dabbawalas ,their struggles faced while delivering.
Dabbawala is awarded Six Sigma due to its less than 1% mistake in delivery system,and customer trust Dabbawala much, even they may place expensive items in tiffin box which will reach their home correctly.
This book provides us details on how Dabbawala are delivering lunchbox . Book start with some of Dabbawala got invitation for Prince Charles marriage. Prince Charles meet them while his visit to India and invited them for his marriage.
This book deals with life of Dabbawalas ,their struggles faced while delivering.
August 25, 2020
From the heart story on what makes the Dabbawalas tick
Great read. Very well written as a story with lots of nice anecdotes. At no place do you get bored. The science and simplicity of the system of relay of the Tiffin's is very interesting. How something which is simple to comprehend and the instructions are clear, if executed well can become a world class system. Must Read for anyone in supply chain or a management student. Also great read for anyone wanting to understand the blue collar life in India in general.
Great read. Very well written as a story with lots of nice anecdotes. At no place do you get bored. The science and simplicity of the system of relay of the Tiffin's is very interesting. How something which is simple to comprehend and the instructions are clear, if executed well can become a world class system. Must Read for anyone in supply chain or a management student. Also great read for anyone wanting to understand the blue collar life in India in general.
October 25, 2022
A wonderful account of an important human organization worth emulating by many organizations facing untimely demise. It is a great thing to internalize the great management principles without even visiting the gate of a management school. An entity which became worthy of quoting by the most renowned management gurus of the world had its ups and downs. This book narrates the way they overcame those hard times and excelled.
February 4, 2017
A remarkable but simple narration of the deeds of a simple but stupendous set of performers, "the dabbawalas". Their tale is truly inspiring though it is ironical that necessary recognition came to them only after Prince Charles put his stamp on their work.
December 22, 2019
A good case study
I was only wondering how dabbawalas replaced other colleague / dabbawala during their unexpected absence ?
But overall, well explained story of how the whole dabbawala system evolved.
I was only wondering how dabbawalas replaced other colleague / dabbawala during their unexpected absence ?
But overall, well explained story of how the whole dabbawala system evolved.
January 27, 2020
A Business 'Wonder' made with Precision
A unique insight into the immaculate functioning of a business run by passion, commitment and immaculate precision in timing. Some life lessons as well - 'Just Do it'!
A unique insight into the immaculate functioning of a business run by passion, commitment and immaculate precision in timing. Some life lessons as well - 'Just Do it'!
June 14, 2015
This was definitely a quick little read. I picked it up this morning and was done before lunch time (I'm on vacation!). Much of it is written in the first person perspective of Raghunath Medge, the president of the Dabbawalas association, but every once in a while, the author inserts herself into the narration to further explain certain events or add more information. Honestly, her insertions felt unnecessary and rather intrusive because what immersed me in the book was the kind and humble voice of Medge. His honest and relaxed tone made it easy to imagine myself sitting on a bench in front of a tea stall listening to the ramblings of the wise men who populate the inner streets and workings of my Beloved Bombay.
Was the book filled with new information? Not to me. Perhaps I'd already learned most of it by following the hue and cry of the initial "Prince Charles and the Dabbawalas" era. And the book barely grazes on insider information I may have been interested it (like how the city of Mumbai was divided into areas and how their name and number designations were chosen). But that doesn't seem as important as the revelation that the Dabbawalas who went to London for the Royal Wedding didn't think to pack for British weather! Little personal tales like that are the true flavor of this book, and if you are willing to subsist on those, this book is worth a read.
Was the book filled with new information? Not to me. Perhaps I'd already learned most of it by following the hue and cry of the initial "Prince Charles and the Dabbawalas" era. And the book barely grazes on insider information I may have been interested it (like how the city of Mumbai was divided into areas and how their name and number designations were chosen). But that doesn't seem as important as the revelation that the Dabbawalas who went to London for the Royal Wedding didn't think to pack for British weather! Little personal tales like that are the true flavor of this book, and if you are willing to subsist on those, this book is worth a read.
February 20, 2018
Such an interesting story... Mr.Raghunath Medge's inspirational leadership should have been a great read. However, the writing is so bad that it brings down the book.
The author's decision to have 2 narrations (One from Mr. Madge's perspective & another from author's perspective) backfires BIGGG time. It only hinders the flow and does not throw any new light. When the author tries to explain 6 Sigma concept, she is so much off of target that I started doubting the capability of the author to understand & explain the story of the Dabbawalas correctly.
The author's decision to have 2 narrations (One from Mr. Madge's perspective & another from author's perspective) backfires BIGGG time. It only hinders the flow and does not throw any new light. When the author tries to explain 6 Sigma concept, she is so much off of target that I started doubting the capability of the author to understand & explain the story of the Dabbawalas correctly.
February 4, 2016
Impressive! This book tells you how a common man with sheer will power and dedication can do the impossible. Dabbawalla's teach you one important lesson: Keep working in silence, let your success make the noise for you!
December 20, 2013
Hats off to the Dabbawalas of Mumbai who with their fraction of a second precision and work ethics have become world famous...Great book
February 4, 2014
A good one time read to achieve an insight on the life and ways of working of Mumbai's Dabbawala!
August 31, 2016
A half heartedly told story : http://www.anureviews.com/mumbais-dab...
May 20, 2014
Amazed and humbled by the incredible story of the Dabbawalas!
August 30, 2015
Nice one time quick read!!
May 11, 2016
Interesting read on the lives of the dabbawallas.
February 6, 2017
Real Hardwork.....
Hatsoff to all of them............ :)
Hatsoff to all of them............ :)
May 29, 2017
Excellent book, page by page live the lige of a mumbai dabbawala
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews