Mumbai Dabbawalas offer management lessons at IMT-N

Dressed in the trademark Dabbawala white Kurta Pyjama and Gandhi cap they were accorded a standing ovation by those present.

At the lecture, Mr Talekar gave an overview of his organization and how it is what it is today. Hum chota mota kaam karte hain, bas apni roti kamaate hain (We do small work to earn our bread and butter). Started in 1890, our success story is all about being disciplined, ensuring participation from both the genders. Values, ethics, commitment are more important than anything else, said Mr Talekar. He added, Dabbawalas come and go, but our principles sustain the ravages of time.

Talking more about how the maintain world class Six Sigma standards, Mr Talekar pointed out that we have no technological backup, average literacy rate is almost eight grade schooling, they are trained for a period of six months with a monthly stipend. Only if the efficiency is good that we make them permanent members.

The Association which has been featured in the Guiness Book of World Records, has a total coverage areas of 60-70 Kms, taking a time of 3 hours with 2,00,000 boxes delivered on time everyday.

To the students it was the range and depth of learning for the to be MBAs that was worth their while. That they have done it without an MBA degree is marvelous. They give 100 percent customer satisfaction and performance through zero percent fuel and technology as they use bicycle, says Shakun Singh, a final year student at the campus.

The Dabbawalas provide food and job, the basic requisites for the people in Mumabai. They have one of the most effective distribution models pointed out Ravi Gadgil, Professor of Sales and Distribution, IMT Nagpur.