Mumbai’s famed dabbawalas, renowned for their punctuality and dedication in delivering lunch boxes across the city, have reached a new milestone by being included in Kerala’s Class 9 English curriculum. A chapter titled ‘The Saga of the Tiffin Carriers’ highlights their remarkable journey from 1890 to their global acclaim.
Celebrating an Inspiring Journey
The chapter, authored by travel writers Hugh and Colleen Gantzer, is part of Kerala’s updated 2024 curriculum introduced by the Kerala State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). It traces the history of Mumbai’s dabbawalas, starting with Mahadeo Havaji Bachche, who made the first delivery from Dadar to Fort for a Parsi lady in 1890. Over the past 134 years, the dabbawalas have evolved into an exceptionally efficient system known for their community-driven success.
A Symbol of Dedication
The dabbawalas have become symbols of dedication and excellence, inspiring numerous films, documentaries, books, and even doctoral theses. In 2019, Mumbai-based artist Abhijeet Kini spotlighted their daily efforts in a comic book. Additionally, the dabbawalas have been invited to speak at prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), as well as international business schools.
Recognition and Challenges
Ulhas Muke, president of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association, expressed pride in the inclusion of their story in school curricula, hoping it will inspire students to value hard work and teamwork. He also noted the global recognition they have received, attributing some of their fame to King Charles of England, who first praised their efficiency in 2004.
Despite the accolades, the Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted their operations, reducing their workforce from over 5,000 to about 2,000 and cutting daily deliveries from 200,000 to around 100,000. Nonetheless, the dabbawalas appreciate the Kerala education department’s recognition.
Educational Impact
The Director of the Kerala SCERT praised the Mumbai Dabbawalas for enriching the educational experience and inspiring future generations. He emphasised the goal of exposing students to real-world examples of successful, community-based organisations, hoping these stories will ignite creativity and drive innovative problem-solving among learners.
