The pandemic has taken a hard toll on billions of people. While there is loss of life, there is also loss of livelihood. In such a scenario, many have reached the brink of destruction both mentally, and financially.
If you have had a hard time as well or need a fresh dose of inspiration, then this story is for you.
Meet Urmila Jamnadas Asher aka Gujjuben. This 77-year-old Grandma from Mumbai is working 80+ hours a week to sustain her family and that of others who lend a hand to her. This phenomenal woman is living her dream every day in the kitchen. When we quote ‘dream’ it may not necessarily mean that she had a beautiful life but she has always known and loved to cook, which has kept her moving.
She along with a group of women from her neighborhood and her grandson own a startup named Gujjuben Na Nashta, which is a food business where they deliver fresh, home-cooked snacks all over Mumbai.
What sets this septuagenarian apart from the likes of her is her vigor and positivity which has been exemplary. She even puts the youth to shame with her stamina.
“Dadi is 77, had heart attack two times and also suffers from diabetes but that doesn’t change anything in her routine. She starts working at 7 AM and leaves the kitchen at 9 PM and wouldn’t be at rest till all the orders are fulfilled. Everyone watches documentaries for inspiration but I have my dadi,” says Harsh Asher, Gujjuben’s grandson.
Grandma Urmila has battled her own wars for several decades and that’s also the very reason which has given her the strength and experience that she now shares with today’s generation.
She had three children, all of which are no more. Her daughter was 2.5 years old when she accidentally fell off the building and died, her older son died of a brain tumor, and the younger one died due to heart failure while delivering a tiffin made by her.
These were not the end of her tragedies. Her only grandson, Harsh, met with an accident and damaged his upper lip and tongue. But Dadi remained strong as a stern rock and supported him like she had supported the family over all these years.
“After my father died I was not earning but she handled the family nicely. I never knew where the money came from. She is not literate, all she knows is hard work and she just did that! Also when I lost my upper lips in the accident and went through plastic surgery, I had severe identity crisis and my career was in shambles. Dadi told me not to worry and that she lost so much but is still strong and that’s how one should be,” says Harsh.
During the lockdown period, Gujjuben was making pickles for near and dear. Harsh noticed that and asked her if they can make some more and sell it. She agreed and made 500Kg Pickle in just 20-25 days. This led Harsh to go a step further and create Gujjuben Na Nashta.
“Dadi has 40+ years experience in cooking. She used to cook for a lot of people all over the world. She went to families in London, Portugal, and many more places. The amount of energy she has is tremendous. I can’t match her speed. She is the heart of this business, I literally can’t do anything without her,” stresses the grandson.
There are two helpers in the kitchen and two men who help with the deliveries. Harsh is the one who takes care of the technical part of the business and accounts.
Even the others working with Dadi have similar remarks to make. They even call her a perfectionist.
“We lost our garment shop in pandemic and that’s how I started to work with Dadi. Honestly, she works so much but I get tired and need a break. We will give up but she won’t. Also, she is very particular about food. If my Sabudana Khichdi sticks to the Kadai, she won’t approve it,” says Poonam, Gujjuben’s neighbor who also cooks for the startup.
Urmila Dadi has put everyone on their feet and made them realize the power of good food and togetherness.
“I have learned from her that we should give good food to everyone and be there for others in bad times,” says Mrs. Solanki, another cook in Dadi’s kitchen.
Now hear from Dadi herself. She has so much love, support, and wisdom to give. I mean, isn’t she amazing?
“Ask me to make as many theplas or chapattis I will make it and not fret over it. I have loved to cook since childhood and I used to make food at others home. Honestly there’s no shame in working. In today’s date, my hemoglobin is 14. How? Because I ate good food and not pizza burger,” says the super grandma.
Dadi’s also got a friend from the building who is always a call away. She is the only one with the mental and tensile match to Asher.
“I have a friend named Ramilaben who lives in the building. Whenever there’s a shortage of hands, I call her and she comes. She is perfect with her cooking but never agrees to take a penny for the help she provides,” shared Dadi with a tinge of concern and love.
At this point, Gujjuben Na Nashta is not making any profits but Harsh hopes for the best and looks up to Dadi. She has literally created a career for him without wanting anything in return.
“I have invested all my savings in the business and we are not making good turnover at the moment. We definitely need better kitchen and more staff to keep things in shape and grow. Dadi is making a career for me and none of this is for her. She is helping me set up a future. She has never asked me how much money we make from this business or how we spend the money. There are only two things that she cares about- one, whether we make enough to smoothly run the house, and second, that people should enjoy the food she cooks. People liking her food is her trophy,” says an emotional Harsh.
The reason why Dadi stood up to work at this age is to show her support to her grandson. She thinks it is her duty and way of showing her love.
“I want my grandson and all grandchildren who work here to feel that they are not alone. I am with them. I will support them till my last breath. I just want them to be happy and leave this world in perfect health without bothering anyone”, says Dadi making us cry a little.
If you are in Mumbai and want some lip-smacking snacks, you should definitely order from Gujjuben Na Nashta. And trust us, Dadi’s love always tastes like heaven!