Delivering Lunch to School Lessons: Mumbai's Iconic Dabbawalas Now Part of Kerala English Syllabus

The legendary dabbawalas of Mumbai have now earned a place in Kerala 's Class 9 English syllabus.

A five-page chapter titled "The Saga of the Tiffin Carriers," authored by travel writers Hugh and Colleen Gantzer, offers a glimpse into their journey from humble beginnings to global fame.

History of the Dabbawalas

The chapter provides students with an intriguing look at the history of the dabbawalas, who have been dedicated to delivering tiffin boxes across Mumbai since 1980. Mahadeo Havaji Bachche was the first dabbawala to deliver a lunchbox from Dadar to Fort, Mumbai.

"In the year 1890, an old Parsi lady in the suburb of Dadar spoke to Mahadu Havaji Bacha. She wanted him to help her get a tiffin carrier to her husband, who worked in the commercial heart of Bombay, as the city was called then. That was the start of the dabbawalas," the chapter reads.

"From those humble beginnings, this self-made Indian organization has grown into a vast network whose incredible efficiency has won the admiration of international business schools and even Prince (now King) Charles of England," it adds.

Dabbawalas have epitomized dedication and hard work, captivating scholars globally. Their service has been immortalized in films, documentaries, books, and doctoral theses. Additionally, Mumbai-based artist Abhijeet Kini created a comic book in 2019 that narrates their daily hustle.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the dabbawalas’ trade, reducing their numbers to around 2,000. Currently, only those in need of employment take on this demanding role, as the service slowly rebuilds from the crisis.

How Did the Dabbawalas Respond to the News?

The Kerala State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) introduced this chapter on the inspiring journey of the dabbawalas as part of its updated curriculum for 2024.

The NMTBSCT is the umbrella organization under which the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association (MTBSA) operates.

After learning that their story is now part of Kerala 's school syllabus, the dabbawalas responded to the state's education department with a gratitude email, expressing their appreciation for the recognition given to their long-standing legacy.

(Inputs from agencies)