In the heart of Jodhpur, where traditions run deep and kitchens hum with the aroma of heritage, a single mother has turned adversity into a celebration of culture and resilience. Meet Nirmala Shekhawat, the woman behind ‘Marwadi Manwar’, a homegrown papad business that’s not only reviving Rajasthani flavors but also empowering a team of women bound by family, love, and determination.

Nirmala’s journey began with heartbreak. After losing her husband, she found herself alone with children to raise and bills to pay. The financial strain was intense, and work opportunities were scarce. But what she did have was the unwavering support of her family, a deep-rooted connection to Marwari cuisine, and a lifetime of culinary skill passed down through generations.

From the modest kitchen of her ancestral home, she decided to do what she knew best—make papads, the beloved crispy snack found in every Rajasthani household. With no big capital or commercial setup, she invited the women in her family—sisters, aunts, cousins—to join hands and turn the age-old craft into a livelihood.

Together, they launched ‘Marwadi Manwar’, a brand that translates to “Rajasthani hospitality served with love.” What started as a small, word-of-mouth venture quickly found its audience. The brand now sells papads, mangodis, mathris, and other traditional Marwari snacks to customers across India and abroad.

Nirmala’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and handmade preparation has set her brand apart. Unlike machine-made snacks, each papad is sun-dried in courtyards, seasoned with traditional spices, and rolled with care—reflecting the labor and love of the women behind them.

From packing orders to sourcing ingredients, every step of the business is handled by women—most of whom had never worked outside their homes. For many of them, Marwadi Manwar has become more than an income—it’s a symbol of identity, confidence, and financial freedom.

Within a few years, what began with just a few kilos of papad has scaled into a multi-lakh rupee business, with repeat customers and growing demand during festivals and weddings. Nirmala also offers customized packaging and gift boxes for traditional celebrations, making her brand a cultural ambassador of Rajasthani cuisine.

Today, Marwadi Manwar is not just a business—it’s a movement. A movement that shows how tradition and entrepreneurship can come together to uplift women, preserve culinary heritage, and turn sorrow into strength.

As she looks ahead, Nirmala dreams of setting up a formal unit, training more rural women, and exporting her products to Indian diaspora communities worldwide. But at its core, her success remains rooted in one powerful idea: when women rise together, they rise strong—one papad at a time.