Dr. Pawan A.

Dr. Pawan (M.Com., B.Ed., LLB., ACS., Ph.D.) is the authorised English speaker and presenter for the Mumbai Dabbawala. He has made over 200 presentations across various corporations in India and abroad, as well as to universities, NGOs, YPO, and YEO member organisations (Young President Organisation and Young Entrepreneur Organisation).

In 2001, while pursuing his doctorate on the topic "A Study on Logistics and Supply Chain Management of Dabbawala in Mumbai", he approached the Dabbawalas (Mr. Raghunath and Mr. Gangaram). Since then, Pawan has been involved in the world of Dabbawalas and works on an honorary basis to make presentations. He has been authorised by the Dabbawalas to present their work in front of audiences in English.

Outside India, Pawan has been invited to present to organisations such as YPO members in Kenya, YPO members in Nigeria, British Telecommunication and Global Services in London, and First Source Solutions Ltd. in London. He is knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the subject of Dabbawalas.

The titles of his talks include:

• Six Sigma Achievers
• Small People, Great Work
• Making a Difference
• Making Change
• Mumbai Dabbawala the Great
• Unique Working System
• Logistics and Supply Chain Masters
• Error-Free Work
• Great Achievers
• The Great Indian Management of Dabbawala

An economic analysis of the Dabbawalas reveals that everyone who works within the system is treated as an equal, regardless of their function, and earns a monthly salary of around 2,000 to 4,000 rupees (approximately 25-50 British pounds or 40-80 US dollars). Between 175,000 and 200,000 lunches are moved every day by an estimated 4,500 to 5,000 Dabbawalas, with an extremely small nominal fee and utmost punctuality. According to a recent survey, there is only one mistake in every 6,000,000 deliveries.

The BBC has produced a documentary on the Dabbawalas, and Prince Charles has honoured them with a visit during a recent trip to India. The Dabbawalas have also been invited to give guest lectures at top business schools in India, which is unusual. Notably, the success of the Dabbawala trade has involved no Western modern high technology. The main reason for their popularity could be the Indian people's aversion to Western-style fast food outlets and their love of home-made food.

The New York Times reported in 2007 that the 125-year-old Dabbawala industry continues to grow at a rate of 5-10% per year. The Mumbai Dabbawala is a 118-year-old organisation that delivers home-made food to working family members at their offices. This is because, in Mumbai, distances are long and trains are overcrowded.

The Dabbawalas have become an example of hard work, time management, supply chain management success, teamwork, and simple management skills. They are now invited to deliver lectures at India's top management colleges, like IIMs, and even at foreign universities. Despite their name and fame, the Dabbawalas remain humble and continue to do what they do best - delivering Dabbas on time.

Out of 5,000 Dabbawalas, about 85% are illiterate, and the remaining 15% are educated up to the 8th grade. However, by working with full dedication, time management, and no strike for 116 years, the Mumbai Dabbawalas have created a place of their own. Six Sigma, ISO, and many other certifications have been awarded to them by external agencies, further confirming the high quality of work being done.

Commercial clients include ING Executive Board Members from all over the world, Oxford University Board, California University Students, the Belgium Prime Minister, Secretaries and their members, Foreign Delegates organised by Dx and King Company, IBM, Fidelity Company Ltd., Titan Business Meet, Mercedes Benz Company, Purvanchal University, and many colleges and industries, such as Symbiosis, MET, MIT, IBA, who have cherished their time with Pawan's animated and highly informative presentations.