Before I became a Flipkart Kirana partner, I was worried that this was a job I could not do. It was challenging in the beginning, but now it’s become easy. I’ve learned how to talk to customers, map addresses, ask for feedback, and a lot more. I feel good doing what I do.
I struggled to complete my studies after my father passed away when I was 16 years old. We had a lot of financial trouble at home and I had to find a job. I’m 26 now, and I’ve been working for 10 years to support my family. My sister and I both work, and my mother supports us in everything we do.
I found out about this job through a friend. Before this, I also worked part-time with a food delivery app company. There, it was very different. Most food deliveries happen later at night, so I had to work long hours and late nights to make ends meet. My mother was worried for me, so was I.
After joining with Flipkart as a Kirana partner, I have a lot more flexibility. I live nearby and my shop is also pretty close to the Flipkart hub. I get here around midday and deliver the packages until evening, and go home once I finish. I have the freedom to work the hours that I choose to, and I also feel much safer.
There are some challenging deliveries, but a lot of times when I deliver a package to a customer, they ask me about my job and give me good feedback. Some women also ask to take a picture with me because they feel proud to see a woman doing this work. Just today, I had a customer ask me, it made me feel really happy. Each time that happens, I find that I get more confident in what I do.
I made deliveries during the pandemic too, but the people at the Flipkart hub as well as our customers supported me in staying safe and following all protocols to keep everyone else safe as well. Because of that, I never really felt worried.
I joined in December 2020, so this is my first experience of The Big Billion Days as a Flipkart Kirana partner. I’ve heard that there will be a lot more shipments to deliver and I’m getting ready for that. I’m looking forward to earning more at that time and maintaining a good customer satisfaction record.
The people at the Ulubari hub are very supportive and treat me like one of the employees. I love to come here. For the future, I want to continue to do this along with running my shop. I know that Flipkart will continue to support me, and more than that, I know that I have my sister and mother cheering for me.
My name is Joy David. I am 20 years old and I am a Flipkart Wishmaster. I am from Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. I grew up, studied and have lived my whole life here. Now, I am pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in sociology and also delivering products to Flipkart customers. I live with my father and younger sister. My dad works in the Indian Coast Guard and I try my best to support him with my job.
With the onset of the pandemic, my classes started to be conducted online, and I was at home for most part of the day. I hate sitting idle, which is why I decided to find a job and start becoming independent as soon as I could. My close friend and neighbor had just become a Flipkart Wishmaster, and after speaking to him about his day-to-day life, I decided that this job could prove beneficial to me. So I went to his hub, met his Team Lead, and after my interview, I was also zooming around making deliveries to customers.
Being organized, I find it quite easy to manage my studies and this job. I have found a balance, where I can meet my targets as a Wishmaster and ensure that my studies are not affected. My father did have some apprehensions about me working. He is worried about my safety on the roads riding a two-wheeler, but I like to think he’d be worried about my safety no matter how old I am. I can see that he’s proud of me for wanting to use my time productively and becoming independent.
I finish about 40-50 deliveries in a day as fast and as safely as I can, before returning home and focusing on my studies. At the hub, everyone is very supportive. Our Team Leads communicate with us respectfully and help us in every way they can to achieve our targets. I enjoy working as a Flipkart Wishmaster.
Flipkart has now become a popular e-commerce business in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
People are buying products online every single day. Flipkart has also opened up opportunities for the youth here.
The Big Billion Days are coming up and it is going to be my first time fulfilling Flipkart’s customer promise at this scale. I am quite excited. I can’t wait to test myself.
I love being a Wishmaster but my dream is to become a rockstar! I am a guitarist, and I play the lead, bass, rhythm, everything really. I am inspired by Arjit Singh and Justin Beiber and I hope to be a famous musician like them someday.
Read other inspiring stories from our #HumansOfBBD series here.
My name is Menaka, and I am a Flipkart Wishmaster. I was born and raised in Bengaluru, where my mother and father still work. I had begun a pre-university course (PUC) but I couldn’t complete it. My life was beset with challenges, but I am proud of how far I have come. Today, I am one of the few women Wishmasters operating out of Flipkart‘s hub in Mysuru.
I got married a few years ago, but I lost my husband in a tragic road accident. Then started my long battle with depression and anxiety — I moved back in with my parents but we had many financial constraints.
To aid the family financially, I decided to open a beauty parlor, and also took a beautician’s course. Just when things were looking up, the pandemic struck and I had no customers. Money was tight, and eventually, I had to shut down the beauty parlor too. I did not like sitting at home and not being able to contribute.
Although my family members were supportive, they are quite traditional. They were not completely on board with the idea of me taking up a job and traveling to work daily. But I was determined to be independent. So I moved to Mysuru and put myself up at a hostel while I looked for work.
One day at the hostel, I saw a postwoman, and other women working in delivery jobs. And I wondered if that could be a suitable choice for me. When I saw a Flipkart Wishmaster delivering products at the hostel, I asked him how he became a Wishmaster. He told me that Flipkart makes it easy for people to be hired as Wishmasters and they give opportunities to women too. He told me about some openings too. I visited a Flipkart hub and spoke to the manager, and was soon hired as a Flipkart Wishmaster.
I remember the anxiety on the first day — I couldn’t even step into the hub. But I found the courage and started making my deliveries. I now make almost 100 deliveries and facilitate product returns for Flipkart. All my peers and managers at the hub are very supportive. They ensure that I don’t have to struggle with bulk shipments. And the customers too are very happy to see me at their doorstep with their products.
I don’t face financial constraints like I used to. There was a time I would be scared to even spend Rs 100. But my situation has improved considerably and I have built myself up to face life’s challenges.
I have learned something about myself over the years. No matter how life tests me, my resolve cannot be broken. And I have a lot of patience. These qualities have helped me do very well at my job. And I have found success.
Before the pandemic struck, I used to work as an Assistant Production Manager in the film industry in Mumbai. I was in love with the city – the sea, the air, there was just something about it. I remember going to sit by the sea after work. But once the pandemic lockdowns began, there was no job for me there. Film shoots stopped and when I could, I moved back to my family in Delhi.
My family was always in Delhi, my husband and two children. My husband runs a martial arts studio, but he too had to shut down operations because of the pandemic. It quickly became clear to me that I needed to find a job to keep my family afloat.
During that time, it was very difficult to find a job in Delhi too, but I got to know about Flipkart hiring women for the role of delivery personnel, or Wishmasters as we’re called here. I came for the interview and also went through training which prepared me for the job.
I work at the Nehru Place hub, which is very close to where I live. I travel on my scooter to and from work, and also to deliver about 70 orders a day in my locality.
Every time I deliver to women customers, they are always interested to know more about my job as Flipkart wishmaster. They encourage me and that motivates me to do what I do. In turn, I also tell them that there is nothing a woman can’t do. I know that this makes them feel proud too.
At Flipkart, I can work with a free mind and no tension. It’s been one-and-a-half years of working here as wishmaster and I know that my seniors are always looking out for me. At work, there are measures and protocols in place and I feel safe knowing that. I can also always call my seniors and colleagues for anything.
I believe that no job is too small if you do it with pride and honesty. At one time, I even owned my own mobiles repair shop. I knew everything about mobile phones. I taught myself how to repair phones and other electronics and was enjoying it, but the business did not work out for me.
Today, when I look at my son and my daughter, I feel proud that I am able to provide for my family. When I go home, there is no tension. My husband is very supportive – he ensures that he cooks dinner for all of us when I get back from work in the evenings. We share the work at home, and support each other in doing so.
This is my first job as a Flipkart wishmaster, and I know that a lot of women are curious about this line of work. I want to tell them that women can do anything they put their minds to. We should be proud of that.
Are you a fan of detective stories? We have just the thing for you! Our #ScamSleuth is making a special visit for #TheBigBillionDays and he has a few riddles for you. Scammers have been busy over the festive season, and he needs your help in catching a few of them.
The premise is simple! Our Scam Sleuth will take over our social handles, and present one question to you every day. Each question will be a real-life scam attempt, and you will be tasked with helping him identify the telltale signs of fraud. Answer it correctly, and you stand a chance to win an Electronic Gift Voucher worth ₹500.
Here’s how you can participate:
Get on the Flipkart Stories Facebook , Instagram or Twitter page
From October 3 to October 10, 2021, tune-in every day to participate
Search for the hashtag #SpotTheScam to keep track of the action
There will be 1 question on each day
To answer, just reply to the question with the correct answer and the #SpotTheScam hashtag
If you get the answer correct, you stand a chance to win a Flipkart gift voucher worth ₹500
Winners will be announced by October 14, 2021.
Before you play, make sure you go through the terms and conditions to make sure you know the rules of the game.
My name is Rahul Kumawat and I run Kathu Krafts as a #Sellfmade Flipkart seller. We operate in the home decor category selling photo frames, wall clocks, key holders, wall hangings, and other home decor items. I started selling on Flipkart in 2013. I started with pharmaceutical instruments, but by 2014, I changed my category and started selling home decor products. My family members help me in the manufacturing of these handmade products.
I used to work in a medical shop after graduating 12th standard. I used to earn ₹3,000-₹4,000 which was not enough. I wanted to do something more in life. I had dreams of purchasing my own house and a car with my hard-earned money. I used to work during the evenings so I started working on selling online during the daytime.
I used to make personalized frames and designs and turn them into products I could sell. I started selling on online portals, but there were not many learning materials available for online selling back then. So it wasn’t easy. But I needed to get access to necessary resources such as machinery, workforce, marketing and more to generate more orders, and Flipkart was the way to go. Compared to the other portals, they were the most reliable. We started with processing three orders per day and during the festive season, we sell close to 2,000 orders on a daily basis.
My account managers at Flipkart have helped me reach my target sales by opting for various promotions. They also gave me insights on which designs were working and which were not, helping me increase my profits. And my business growth has been amazing! Flipkart helps us learn a lot about online selling and they keep on improving their processes.
My experience with The Big Billion Days sale so far has been enriching. About 70% of my targets were met last year. Currently, we are well prepared for the upcoming sale and are eager to deliver the best to our customers. Flipkart has also given us data and a comprehensive analysis so that we may understand and achieve our goals for the upcoming festive season. We also have dedicated teams for each type of product in our inventory, tasked with manufacturing and packaging, and they are raring to beat our sales numbers from last year!
At the beginning of my journey as a seller, I didn’t have my family’s full support. They were skeptical of my career choice and the risks of being an entrepreneur. But today, after witnessing me fulfilling my dreams as a Flipkart seller, seeing how I am empowered and have bought my own house and a car for my family, they completely believe in my capabilities and are as involved as I am in the business!
I have completed 8 years with Flipkart now and my faith in myself is stronger than ever. I am sure I will reach heights of success beyond my dreams in the near future.
As told to Jishnu Murali with additional inputs from Rahul Gupta Roy
For a man who radiates elegance and style both on the pitch and off it, 1DER by PUMA is simply an extension of his personality. The athleisure collection, comprising hoodies, sneakers, sweatpants, flip-flops, and so much more, captures KL Rahul ’s love for all things fashionable and street. He is, in the words of the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, “the next big thing in Indian cricket,” and thanks to the power of partnership, you can be part of his world during The Big Billion Days 2021.
A nod to Flipkart and PUMA’s commitment to democratizing fashion for all, affordable yet chic fashion is the name of the game here, and that’s why KL Rahul fans have plenty to cheer about this TBBD. Here’s all you need to know about the exciting new athleisure line – 1DER.
1Der by PUMA is for those who dream big
With the launch of 1DER, there’s seemingly one less item on KL Rahul’s bucket list. That’s the power of partnership, and what happens when Flipkart and PUMA collaborate! “I always wanted to do something like this, and it’s always been a dream of mine,” says KL Rahul. “So when PUMA and Flipkart approached me to launch my own collection, I was thrilled! Then I sat down and wondered what it would be like. That’s how 1DER came into existence.”
Make no mistake, 1DER is for those who wonder, and dream big! The athleisure line’s logo features the number 1 wedded to a star, both symbols of immense significance for KL Rahul. “When brainstorming about the collection, the first thing that came to my mind is the jersey I wear,” says the current Punjab Kings captain. “My jersey sports number 1—it’s what I try to be as a cricketer and a person, and the ‘1’ in 1DER comes from that.”
The first Indian to score a century on his ODI debut, KL Rahul would like his fans to believe that despite all odds, the sky’s the limit! “The stars and the night skies are things I think about all the time. I have a lot of celestial tattoos on my body. They are reminders to achieve more, dream bigger, place no restrictions, and aim for the stars. My logo had to have these elements—they’re things I strongly believe in.”
A streetwear collection that sets you a class apart
KL Rahul is known to be different, be it amongst India’s next-gen batsmen or in his fashion choices. While many athletes would identify themselves with performance clothing, this batsman sided with streetwear.
“I am not the typical athlete,” confides KL Rahul. “I love streetwear; it breaks all the stereotypical boundaries of fashion and makes you comfortable and stylish at the same time. You can be laid back yet make a statement with what you are wearing. That’s how you will see me dressed off the pitch and that’s why this collection draws a lot of inspiration from streetwear.”
1DER by PUMA includes a wide array of apparel and footwear for men, priced in the range of ₹1,499 to ₹4,999. “We curated this range, a complete interpretation of his personality, which is cool and chill,” reveals Abhishek Ganguly, MD PUMA India & Southeast Asia. “Rahul really gets inspired by streetwear, and so we designed 1DER to be quirky and fun. It’s targeted towards a young audience and sports a very, very fresh approach with a lot of graphic play and tongue-in-cheek design.”
The best of KL Rahul for every passionate fan
The launch of 1DER marks the 10-year partnership between Flipkart and PUMA. Both brands have leveraged the power of partnership to meet evolving fashion needs across the country. With consumers seeking more active lifestyles, the athleisure category is picking up plenty of steam and 1DER is specially designed for young working professionals and college students, who seek trendy yet affordable branded clothing.
“It’s been a phenomenal journey for PUMA on Flipkart,” says Abhishek Ganguly. “I think the two entities have come together and helped grow fashion in India. Bolstered by the kind of reach Flipkart has, the intelligences that we get from the platform and the understanding of consumer behavior, we are now launching 1DER with KL Rahul, who is a PUMA ambassador and has only been growing his stature and personality on and off the pitch.”
“Over time, TBBD has become the biggest fashion event in the country. Initially we used to consider it as a sales opportunity; however, now it’s a celebration of fashion in my opinion,” Abhishek continues. “The power of partnership between PUMA and Flipkart is what I would like to call out: it has synergy and collaboration, future-centric and growth-oriented mindsets, and a productive culture of hustle.”
“With 1DER, we will continue to bridge the gap between metros and Tier 2+ regions, where people seek the best of current fashion trends but suffer from limited access in terms of selection, range and affordability,” reveals Nishit Garg, Vice President – Flipkart Fashion. “PUMA has been a great partner, and who better than them to partner with on something like this: they with their brand pool and Flipkart with its distribution — it all came together very, very well,” he says.
1DER by PUMA is set for a big bang launch during The Big Billion Days 2021. To all KL Rahul fans and those who like their style with a dollop of comfort: Now’s the best time to add to your wishlist, shop affordably, and get behind your captain!
There’s nothing quite like a hot and fresh plate of just-fried farsan to epitomize the spirit of festive cheer. Be it sev from Ratlam, ganthiya from Bhavnagar, murukku from Tamil Nadu or chakli from Gujarat, these spicy, salty, crunchy snacks that symbolize joy and togetherness are enjoyed by households across the nation during the festive season. This is also the time that Flipkart Sellers get into high gear, busy laying the groundwork to meet the spike in demand that The Big Billion Days are known for.
Put snacking and festive preparation together, and one Indian state that simply cannot be overlooked is Gujarat. Home to more than 35,000 Flipkart Sellers, the Jewel of Western India sees frenetic activity all through this time of celebration. From Rajkot alone, situated in the middle of the Saurashtra region in Gujarat, Flipkart Sellers make up almost 42% of Flipkart’s Home category. This division has seen stupendous growth over time thanks to the enterprising nature of entrepreneurs who helm the city’s MSME industry.
One such Flipkart Seller making the most of e-commerce to give wings to her dreams is Rashmi Manojbhai Wagerah. This Rajkot native makes her splash with the very appliance that helps Indian kitchens produce festive snacks that are enjoyed with relish. One of the most popular products that her company, Sara Business Group, is known for is the kitchen press, also known as the sev machine. Gearing up for The Big Billion Days 2021, Rashmi too is putting her best foot forward to meet the demand from prospective shoppers all over India, including her native Gujarat.
GROWTH THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
It was only in 2018 that Rashmi started her online business. In just three short years, her company has made a name for itself by manufacturing and procuring kitchenware, household appliances, décor, fittings, and more. Not one to let opportunities go to waste, Rashmi is a Flipkart Seller who operates in both B2B and B2C arenas.
“Initially we were only dealing with online wholesalers and would sell our products to them. However, we soon launched our own Flipkart Store and started reaching out to consumers directly. We have been working relentlessly via two channels and processing a huge number of orders per day,” she says.
Rashmi’s sincere efforts have yielded equally fascinating results. “Business is good with Flipkart,” she says with characteristic modesty. “Sales have increased about 1000% in the last three years.”
TOOLS OF THE ONLINE TRADE
Incorporating the feedback she receives from customer reviews as well as consumer insights from Flipkart’s account managers, who offer regular operational support and business counselling, Rashmi acts swiftly. “We keep an eye on product ratings and improve our products or packaging whenever needed. When we realized that a few attachments in our bestselling sev maker were not useful to online customers, we removed them and offered others that were in demand.”
Her no-holds-barred approach has paid off. Today, Rashmi’s enterprise employs 15 people. The COVID-19 pandemic too bolstered demand in online shopping, and the renewed interest in at-home cooking placed her in the right position to tap into growth. “The number of orders we received per day has increased exponentially post COVID-19. Before the pandemic, our orders averaged 50 a day and after that 800 a day became a norm,” she says.
For the past year or so, Rashmi has focused her attention on Flipkart as a marketplace. “I get more customers here, and when I have a question, I can directly contact someone to get my problem solved,” she explains.
THE FLIPKART BOOST
To support Flipkart Sellers like Rashmi, growth tools like the next-day payment program play a vital role.
As part of the Growth Capital seller financing program, Flipkart also helps sellers get customizing offerings from lenders based on business projections. It is this availability of funds that helps micro-enterprises boost their supply to meet the skyrocketing demand during events like The Big Billion Days. The expansion of Flipkart’s warehouse facility in Gujarat along with four new supply chain facilities further helps businesses.
Rashmi too is set to race ahead and break all past records. “As a run-up to The Big Billion Days, I have also started sourcing products to ensure availability of stock and aim to receive about 4,000 orders this year during the festive season.”
In this story: Be inspired by stories of hope and optimism from the #HumansOfBBD.
Every year, The Big Billion Days is a time for celebration and joy across the country. A heralding of festive cheer. And this year especially, it’s a time for us – our employees, customers, our seller community, supply chain and kirana partners, artisans and weavers across the country, and the entire Flipkart ecosystem – to celebrate the spirit of resilience and look towards a time of revival.
All through the festive season, follow our #HumansOfBBD series for stories of hope and optimism from people across India, who call Flipkart home.
“You have arrived at your destination ー success!”
My name is Harish and I have been a part of the Flipkart Kirana program for a year now. I relocated to Bangalore seven years ago from Mandya district, 100 km from Bangalore, in the quest for a better work opportunity. Before starting my own provision store, I worked as a corporate cab driver for five years. I drove 12-14 hours a day at a stretch and earned a fixed salary of ₹20,000. Exhausted by this routine, I decided to start something on my own and become an entrepreneur.
When I opened my provision store, a field officer from Flipkart approached me and explained the Kirana program and the way it can create an additional source of income. This really intrigued me and I was excited to join the program. We had to go through a four-day training program on how to interact with customers, PoS machines, the importance of on-time deliveries, etc. Now I deliver a minimum of 30 packages each day!
Today, I earn significantly more from Flipkart’s kirana program, besides the income from my provisions store which is helping me give a better life to my family. I deliver packages between 7 AM and 3 PM and then I get back to my store. When I am out delivering Flipkart products, my wife supports me by attending to the store.
Saving for college and making mom proud!
The nationwide lockdown to fight COVID-19 led to a challenging time for all small businesses, including my godown, which remained shut during the lockdown. My name is Vaishnavi and I am a Flipkart Kirana partner. As businesses are returning to normalcy, my mother manages the godown while I deliver about 50 to 60 packages in a day. As a single parent, my mother appreciates me stepping up to help the family and is grateful for Flipkart’s kirana program. Working as a part of Flipkart’s kirana program provided me and my family with much needed financial support, and is helping me to save for college along with my preparation for banking exams.
I have learned a lot about customer behaviour and proper conduct while working with Flipkart. These learnings during my tenure with Flipkart will definitely help me in the future.
Flipkart’s Kirana program and a wedding ceremony to remember
My name is Dinesh Kumar. I am 27 years old and I am from Panchkula District in Haryana. I am a dairy shop owner who joined Flipkart’s kirana programme in 2019. With extra time and space at hand, I started making deliveries in nearby areas and underwent training with Flipkart as part of the onboarding process in shipment handling, customer management, and more!
The Kirana program has helped me increase my income and contribute towards my brother’s wedding. I have also been able to support my family during the lockdown. Now, with things coming back to some level of normalcy, I am preparing for the upcoming The Big Billion Days sale. I feel it will be a good opportunity for me to provide service to more customers and earn more during the festive season. Last year, I delivered more than 2,000 parcels during the Big Billion Days. It was hectic, but I was happy to earn additional income and support for my family.
Today, even my family is involved in running the business. When I am out making deliveries, they step in and take care of the store and help customers.
A father-son duo find their feet amid a pandemic
My name is Moinuddin Ahmed. I am 28 years old, and I hail from a village in Assam called Ghilagur. I joined Flipkart’s kirana program in March 2021, amid the nationwide lockdown. The store actually belongs to my father, and because of COVID-19, our business had stopped entirely. That’s when I joined hands with Flipkart, and became the main financial support for my family during the pandemic.
Ours is a local grocery store, but it has also become a mini warehouse where I receive packages and I plan the daily deliveries. Several customers also come to pick up their Flipkart orders from my store. Safety and hygiene have always been a top priority for me, and since the pandemic, even more so. I am grateful to Flipkart for the training I received for my personal safety and that of customers during the delivery process. In the six months that I have been working as a delivery partner with Flipkart, I have become a familiar face to the customers in the seven villages where I deliver regularly. The people of Amgury Ghat, Naali, Ronghor Charli, Hatukuhk, Amguri Gao, Meteka, and Dhuliayapar now reach my number directly for updates on their packages.
The Big Billion Days sale is not far away, and during this time, people prefer to order online rather than stepping out to crowded markets. I hope to receive more parcels and make more deliveries so that I can help customers to enjoy timely and safe delivery of their products. This also helps me earn additional income for my family.
Securing the future with Flipkart
My name is Sanat Kumar Mahala and I own a small grocery and stationery store in Cuttack, Odisha. I am the sole earning member supporting my aging parents, my wife and my son. I have been running the store for over 5 years, and it has been a challenge making ends meet. Flipkart’s kirana program has enabled me to achieve financial stability for my family.
I joined the Flipkart kirana partnership program 8 months ago and my income has grown almost three times. In my spare time I even try to deliver as many of the packages as I can. The Big Billion Days sale is coming up, and I know many of the residents in my area are excited because I know them personally. I want to take the opportunity to make the most during this festive season. I currently deliver about 50 packages per day. I want to deliver over 100 packages per day to bring home additional income during the festive season.
With Flipkart, I can now save for my son’s future education, get insurance coverage for my family, and I’m able to provide us a better standard of living. I also order my son’s books and stationery on Flipkart. Apart from diligently delivering in a timely manner, customers also often pick up products from my store on their way back.
Nowadays, whenever people in my locality see me, they think of Flipkart.
#HumansOfBBD – From Kargil to Flipkart, a veteran’s story
I have worked in the supply chain almost all of my career. Although, supply chain, in a very different scenario.
I’m a highlander – from Nainital. And my father always wanted either me or my brother to join the Indian Army. After college in Mumbai, I joined the Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai and, after rigorous training, was posted in Kargil.
Commissioned as an officer there, I was in charge of the entire supply chain – from a needle to a tank – to the Kargil, Drass, Siachen and Batalik areas. We had to move supplies in very challenging conditions, be it the below-freezing temperatures, wind speeds, or even enemy shelling. Some of the posts are very close to the international border and the enemy forces conduct shelling sometimes when a convoy is passing through.
I left the Indian Army in 2010, worked for some time in various start-ups and also did an executive MBA from IIM-A. In 2015, I took a career break after my son was born.
In 2020, when we moved to Kolkata, a friend of mine told me about opportunities at Flipkart. I’d already heard about the incredible work culture so I immediately applied, interviewed, and joined as an Operations Manager at the Flipkart warehouse here.
I did have some inhibitions in the beginning — until now, I’ve always worked at startups, mostly because that’s where I see a lot of scope to innovate as an individual. It’s really my basic nature and what drives me. Flipkart, being a big company, I was worried I would not be able to do this. But, in the past few months that I’ve been here, I’ve already led a project that has increased inventory by over ₹12 lakh. That’s the kind of freedom and ownership that Flipkart affords you.
It’s also a work environment that is very inclusive, with several programs in place that ensures that the culture is upheld. The FlipMarch initiative, for example, is something that I found to be very useful, especially since we have so many army veterans at Flipkart. When I left the army and transitioned my career to a more corporate set-up, I really missed something like FlipMarch.
Veterans are qualified individuals but these kinds of programs really help them assimilate better in terms of culture. The army culture is very different, and has its own way of functioning. I was in the army for fewer years, but there are people who spend 18-20 years in the army. Assimilation and transition programs really help here as people take time to adjust to change. For someone who’s been in the army, even addressing each other by name in a professional setting is a huge change.
Having said that, there are also many ways that the army prepares you for corporate work. In general, those in the army learn very quickly to adapt to any situation and we become very flexible. For me especially, the kind of supply chain management learnings I got in the army have helped me adjust to my role here seamlessly.
I’m also someone — a woman — who has always worked in what are known to be traditionally male-dominated frontiers. Both the army and supply chain in general.
When I was first posted in Kargil as a 23-year-old, I was the only woman among the 10,000 troops there. It was very intimidating in the beginning, but I soon realized that no matter what, we were all wearing the same uniform. We all lived alongside in mud houses, faced the same circumstances, and I proved myself with everything I did. I was commanding almost 1,400 male soldiers, and they all addressed me as saab.
At Flipkart, there are many programs in place to embrace more women across our supply chain. I think perception is changing about supply chain being something only men can do, and I’m happy to see so many women working alongside me. Everyone now realises the commendable work that women do in the supply chain.
One of the learnings from the army that I carry with me until now, and has also shaped my time here at Flipkart, is leadership and utmost trust in your team. Here, I oversee a team of 250 people and we share a mutual respect and are very tight-knit. That makes all the difference.
My husband is a Colonel in the Indian Army. He was one of the NSG commandos battling terrorists at the Taj hotel during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. He has even received a gallantry award from the President of India. For now, we are in a peace posting in Kolkata, where we’re both dedicated to our work.
I’m a very different woman than I was at 23. The army completely changed me. I used to be a timid girl from a small town. Now, I am confident. I have no fear.
For this former IAF officer, Flipkart is an adrenaline rush!
I had a fairly long stint in the corporate world after I left the Indian Air Force in the 1990s. I started as a Pilot Officer in 1987 and left my posting as Flight Lieutenant in 1991. I was in the guided missiles and air defence systems arms as an engineer, posted across the north and east of India as that’s where most of our combat forces are. A childhood love for all things space and aeronautics steered my journey here.
My family was in South India, and, after my short service commission in IAF, I mulled a lot about leaving. But eventually, I wanted to be closer to them and decided to make the move.
I entered the corporate world in 2004 leading business continuity and risk management for various companies across India and the Middle East. I then set myself up as an entrepreneur — I started a risk management company in Bengaluru — and had a good run, but the pandemic undid me. Destiny had other plans once again.
Luckily for me, I was able to get back to the corporate life, and I joined Flipkart earlier this year.
The transition from IAF to corporate for me was fairly smooth, with a few challenges. I truly wish there was a program like Flipmarch back then. Then, there were no bridge courses for those of us coming out of the armed forces and joining corporate and civilian lines of work. It was tough for an officer to find their footing in civilian life.
Veterans already bring with them strong value sets like integrity, discipline, fungibility and ability to adapt. And a lot of management theories were founded in the defence forces. Management, team building, building reserves and inventory building is something we already have a lot of experience in.
Flipmarch comes in as a sort of a cultural inoculation. It’s a very good concept, it enables people from the forces joining new organizations to feel like they belong. It says ‘Veterans, we recognize you and understand the background you come from, and we are the bridge’. From an assimilation point of view, it’s a marvelous idea. It helps us connect our past to the present.
At Flipkart, I am in charge of Business Continuity. The pandemic especially is a huge stressor for businesses. We had a trying time in the early days, but we did well. Business continuity functions silently in the backend, even during the most trying times, and ensures everything is smooth and uninterrupted. While it looks to be inward looking, the customer is at the front and center of business continuity too. At Flipkart, that means no service to the customer should be disrupted.
In the forces too, we do this. But while in corporate situations, you can have a Plan B and C, in the armed forces, there is no room for Plan B.
My 6 years in the air force taught me to always prepare for success. I live by this saying by Benjamin Franklin – ‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.’
It also inculcated in me values that I’ll live by for life – integrity, ability to lead by example and embrace and appreciate diversity. Diversity is the norm in defence forces, you work with people across caste, community and location. When you are mission focused, nothing else matters.
I always used to think that your background and where you got an education etc mattered. But in ’89 when we were deployed to a forward base in Punjab – the first time in war mode for me – most of my background of engineering and education was stripped down. Living in tents and preparing for war, I realised then that none of our differences matter at that point. Each of us had so much to learn from the other.
I was born and raised in Manipal. Those days it was a small place. My father was a professor of Maths in the engineering college there. I now live in Bengaluru with my wife and daughter – we are a small and happy family.
Working at Flipkart has been amazing so far. It’s a homegrown company – built ground-up by Indians. Flipkart, at this stage in my life, is an adrenaline rush. And my wife often says, ‘Don’t go overboard with the rush!’
Student. Rockstar. Wishmaster – Joy David is making waves in Andamans
My name is Joy David. I am 20 years old and I am a Flipkart Wishmaster. I am from Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. I grew up, studied, and have lived my whole life here. Now, I am pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in sociology and also delivering products to Flipkart customers. I live with my father and younger sister. My dad works in the Indian Coast Guard and I try my best to support him with my job.
With the onset of the pandemic, my classes started to be conducted online, and I was at home for most part of the day. I hate sitting idle, which is why I decided to find a job and start becoming independent as soon as I could. My close friend and neighbor had just become a Flipkart Wishmaster, and after speaking to him about his day-to-day life, I decided that this job could prove beneficial to me. So I went to his hub, met his Team Lead, and after my interview, I was also zooming around making deliveries to customers.
Being organized, I find it quite easy to manage my studies and this job. I have found a balance, where I can meet my targets as a Wishmaster and ensure that my studies are not affected. My father did have some apprehensions about me working. He is worried about my safety on the roads riding a two-wheeler, but I like to think he’d be worried about my safety no matter how old I am. I can see that he’s proud of me for wanting to use my time productively and becoming independent.
I finish about 40-50 deliveries in a day as fast and as safely as I can, before returning home and focusing on my studies. At the hub, everyone is very supportive. Our Team Leads communicate with us respectfully and help us in every way they can to achieve our targets. I enjoy working as a Flipkart Wishmaster.
Flipkart has now become a popular e-commerce business in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. People are buying products online every single day. Flipkart has also opened up opportunities for the youth here.
The Big Billion Days are coming up and it is going to be my first time fulfilling Flipkart’s customer promise at this scale. I am quite excited. I can’t wait to test myself.
I love being a Wishmaster but my dream is to become a rockstar! I am a guitarist, and I play the lead, bass, rhythm, everything really. I am inspired by Arjit Singh and Justin Beiber and I hope to be a famous musician like them someday.
For Wishmaster Menaka, patience & perseverance is the key to success
I was born and raised in Bengaluru, where my mother and father still work. I had begun a pre-university course (PUC) but I couldn’t complete it. My life was beset with challenges, but I am proud of how far I have come. Today, I am one of the few women Wishmasters operating out of Flipkart’s hub in Mysuru.
I got married a few years ago, but I lost my husband in a tragic road accident. Then started my long battle with depression and anxiety — I moved back in with my parents but we had many financial constraints.
To aid the family financially, I decided to open a beauty parlor, and also took a beautician’s course. Just when things were looking up, the pandemic struck and I had no customers. Money was tight, and eventually, I had to shut down the beauty parlor too. I did not like sitting at home and not being able to contribute.
Although my family members are supportive, they are quite conservative. They were not completely on board with the idea of me taking up a job and traveling to work daily. But I was determined to be independent. So I moved to Mysuru and put myself up at a hostel while I looked for work.
One day at the hostel, I saw a postwoman, and other women working in delivery jobs. And I wondered if that could be a suitable choice for me. When I saw a Flipkart Wishmaster delivering products at the hostel, I asked him how he became a Wishmaster. He told me that Flipkart makes it easy for people to be hired as Wishmasters and they give opportunities to women too. He told me about some openings too. I visited a Flipkart hub and spoke to the manager, and was soon hired as a Flipkart Wishmaster.
I remember the anxiety on the first day — I couldn’t even step into the hub. But I found the courage and started making my deliveries. I now make almost 100 deliveries and facilitate product returns for Flipkart. All my peers and managers at the hub are very supportive. They ensure that I don’t have to struggle with bulk shipments. And the customers too are very happy to see me at their doorstep with their products.
I don’t face financial constraints like I used to. There was a time I would be scared to even spend Rs 100. But my situation has improved considerably and I have built myself up to face life’s challenges.
I have learned something about myself over the years. No matter how life tests me, my resolve cannot be broken. And I have a lot of patience. These qualities have helped me do very well at my job. And I have found success.
#HumansOfBBD – ‘As a Flipkart Kirana partner, I have freedom & flexibility to earn’
I was worried that this was a job I could not do. It was challenging in the beginning, but now it’s become easy. I’ve learned how to talk to customers, map addresses, ask for feedback, and a lot more. I feel good doing what I do.
I struggled to complete my studies after my father passed away when I was 16 years old. We had a lot of financial trouble at home and I had to find a job. I’m 26 now, and I’ve been working for 10 years to support my family. My sister and I both work, and my mother supports us in everything we do.
I found out about this job through a friend. Before this, I also worked part-time with a food delivery app company. There, it was very different. Most food deliveries happen later at night, so I had to work long hours and late nights to make ends meet. My mother was worried for me, so was I.
After joining with Flipkart as a Kirana partner, I have a lot more flexibility. I live nearby and my shop is also pretty close to the Flipkart hub. I get here around midday and deliver the packages until evening, and go home once I finish. I have the freedom to work the hours that I choose to, and I also feel much safer.
There are some challenging deliveries, but a lot of times when I deliver a package to a customer, they ask me about my job and give me good feedback. Some women also ask to take a picture with me because they feel proud to see a woman doing this work. Just today, I had a customer ask me, it made me feel really happy. Each time that happens, I find that I get more confident in what I do.
I made deliveries during the pandemic too, but the people at the Flipkart hub as well as our customers supported me in staying safe and following all protocols to keep everyone else safe as well. Because of that, I never really felt worried.
I joined in December 2020, so this is my first experience of The Big Billion Days. I’ve heard that there will be a lot more shipments to deliver and I’m getting ready for that. I’m looking forward to earning more at that time and maintaining a good customer satisfaction record.
The people at the Ulubari hub are very supportive and treat me like one of the employees. I love to come here. For the future, I want to continue to do this along with running my shop. I know that Flipkart will continue to support me, and more than that, I know that I have my sister and mother cheering for me.
From the film industry to e-commerce: Navigating lockdown uncertainties
Before the pandemic struck, I used to work as an Assistant Production Manager in the film industry in Mumbai. I was in love with the city – the sea, the air, there was just something about it. I remember going to sit by the sea after work. But once the pandemic lockdowns began, there was no job for me there. Film shoots stopped and when I could, I moved back to my family in Delhi.
My family was always in Delhi, my husband and two children. My husband runs a martial arts studio, but he too had to shut down operations because of the pandemic. It quickly became clear to me that I needed to find a job to keep my family afloat.
During that time, it was very difficult to find a job in Delhi too, but I got to know about Flipkart hiring women for the role of delivery personnel, or Wishmasters as we’re called here. I came for the interview and also went through training which prepared me for the job.
I work at the Nehru Place hub, which is very close to where I live. I travel on my scooter to and from work, and also to deliver about 70 orders a day in my locality.
Every time I deliver to women customers, they are always interested to know more about my job. They encourage me and that motivates me to do what I do. In turn, I also tell them that there is nothing a woman can’t do. I know that this makes them feel proud too.
At Flipkart, I can work with a free mind and no tension. It’s been one-and-a-half years of working here and I know that my seniors are always looking out for me. At work, there are measures and protocols in place and I feel safe knowing that. I can also always call my seniors and colleagues for anything.
I believe that no job is too small if you do it with pride and honesty. At one time, I even owned my own mobiles repair shop. I knew everything about mobile phones. I taught myself how to repair phones and other electronics and was enjoying it, but the business did not work out for me.
Today, when I look at my son and my daughter, I feel proud that I am able to provide for my family. When I go home, there is no tension. My husband is very supportive – he ensures that he cooks dinner for all of us when I get back from work in the evenings. We share the work at home, and support each other in doing so.
This is my first job as a delivery executive, and I know that a lot of women are curious about this line of work. I want to tell them that women can do anything they put their minds to. We should be proud of that.
As Flipkart grew, we grew with them: A trucking partner’s road to success
This was originally my father’s business. He started it back in the ’90s and it was a simple transportation company. My brother and I took over the mantle in 2005. We had only 10 trucks, but we wanted to dream big!
In 2014, we heard about Flipkart. My brother and I are both young. When we heard about e-commerce it was exciting, and we knew that e-commerce was the future and joined hands with Flipkart. It was challenging in the beginning but we did a good job and fulfilled all requirements. As we went on, the trust grew and we got more lines and routes. At the time, the warehouses and delivery hubs were much smaller. But as Flipkart grew, we also grew with them.
We soon rebranded and added more quality vehicles to our fleet. From a transporter, we became a vendor. Before, as a transporter, there was no guarantee of an up-down trip – which is when your loaded vehicle goes up one route and is able to come back loaded the same route at a fixed time schedule. Now, we have fixed schedules (not very different from your train or flight schedules), guaranteed up-down trips, and get paid well and on time. This helps us plan much more efficiently.
Now my drivers are also happy. They are able to plan their own schedules, where they will eat, where they will take a break and also have control of their day.
We had 100 vehicles before. After we joined Flipkart, we were able to grow to 200 vehicles. We own all our vehicles in our fleet as we want to ensure we have control over quality and also meet the exact requirements.
I was born and raised in Bengaluru. I feel lucky that this is the capital of e-commerce and I found success here. I want more people to experience that success, not just in Bengaluru but in every place that we are present. We appoint drivers based on distance and the area that they are driving in. For example, in Kerala, where there are ghats, we employ drivers who can drive these routes. In north Karnataka, the roads are different and we ensure that we employ experienced drivers from the local area for this. When there is a long distance — say Bengaluru to Hyderabad or Kochi, we make it mandatory to have two drivers on shift so they are not strained and maintain optimum conditions.
Apart from drivers and transporters, we also have a call center which can answer any calls made by these drivers, be it maintenance, accidents, or any trouble. We have also appointed GMs and executives on the business side to be able to coordinate and plan with Flipkart. We provide health insurance, PF, accident insurance and more to our drivers so they are able to work with less stress.
For The Big Billion Days, we get all information from the Flipkart Operations teams at least 2 months in advance. This year, we’ve got 25 new vehicles and more drivers to cater to this demand.
I know that we’re a small link in the supply chain, but I also know how important we are as a trucking business to customers. I also shop online, and I understand that when you order something online, however big or small, you do so with hope and expectation. Our mission is to ensure that the customer gets the order on time and in the best conditions. I play a small part in this. If there are 500 bags in the truck, there are things reaching 5,000 people. As long as the packages are in my truck, it is 100% my responsibility. I’m very proud of the part we are able to play a part in customer delight.
As we grow bigger every day and add more vehicles to our fleet, we’ve also become well known in the automotive industry. Automobile companies now invite us to their launches and that feels really good! The industry is also advancing in terms of technology – every launch there is a new technology that is added to vehicles. We take time to train our drivers each time, be it in GPRS, digital lock systems, speed and safety technology and more. With time, they also learn the latest in technology and are able to upskill. We all want to do better tomorrow than we did yesterday.
My family understands my job – they know what to expect. We do have very busy schedules, of course. But now, even our status, respect and position in society has increased. If our income was less, tension would be more.
I remember this one time very well. In 2018, Flipkart had arranged an awards ceremony and SLV enterprises won the best company in south zone. That feeling I got going on stage and getting that award, I will never forget it. It was just like in the movies. That night, I felt that all the sleepless days, tension, pressure, finally paid off. I was happy that somebody finally recognized my talent and awarded me for it. My kids often come home and tell me how well they did at school and how they won an award. This time I was able to show them that their father has also won an award!
To be honest, I get a kick out of working at Flipkart. I remember, as a young boy too I always loved technology, automobiles and innovation. Now, I have a good platform to perform and showcase my knowledge. Seeing my performance, other e-commerce companies have also offered me a job. But I am happy and loyal to our partnership with Flipkart.
I do what I know, what I understand, and what I can. I can’t fly a plane, this is what I can do and I will make the most of it. This is also an expertise field and needs skills, same as any job.
You can say that our growth with Flipkart has been like a rocket that’s taken off. That is the truth.
Stay tuned for more stories from the #HumansOfBBD.
Usually, it is Mumbai, the City of Dreams, that attracts strivers all across the country to flock to its shores in the hopes of achieving success. With Vivek Raghavbhai Malaviya, however, it’s a different story. “I moved from Mumbai to Rajkot for Flipkart,” he says with a smile. A Mumbai native, Vivek left his job as a chartered accountant to become a Flipkart seller of plastic and glass kitchenware.
At first, he joined his cousin in Rajkot, Gujarat, and eventually formed his independent company in 2017. It was here that Vivek partnered with Flipkart to sell a raft of products such as oil dispensers, water bottles, jars, and more.
Read on to know his unique story as he gears up for The Big Billion Days 2021.
THE SPARK THAT CAUGHT
Vivek had completed his third year of college and had just joined a chartered accountancy practice when he found himself dreaming of entrepreneurship. Rather than a retail or offline business, it was e-commerce that was his calling. “In an offline set-up, there is a limitation of whether any customer will come to me and buy any of the products we are selling. And with online businesses, I do not have to go to search for customers. Customers can search for the product, and through online advertising, directly reach the products and us!” he says.
When opportunity knocked in 2017, Vivek didn’t hesitate. His cousin was looking for someone to help with his startup and when Vivek found that Rajkot was the hub of all things kitchenware, he made the move. “I knew that staying in Mumbai meant my transport and postage costs would increase, so I shifted to Gujarat.”
After six months, when Vivek started his own enterprise, he tried his luck on a number of online platforms. From advertising to listings, from warehouses to managing seller portals, the going wasn’t easy and there was much to learn. But Vivek knew that it was online selling that would help him get the market share he was looking for.
LEVERAGING THE FLIPKART ADVANTAGE
Registering as a Flipkart Seller exposed Vivek to an ecosystem with the kind of reach he wanted and a variety of tools at his disposal. With Flipkart’s webinars and videos, and help from account managers, Vivek progressed from a bronze to a silver, and now to a gold listing. Once Vivek had a clear understanding of Flipkart as a platform, there was no looking back. His success reached the first milestone during his first-ever Big Billion Days sale.
“I still remember my first TBBD in 2017. I didn’t expect to receive the number of orders I did! And every consecutive year, from 2017 to 2020, I achieved 5X year-on-year growth with the sale bringing in orders that grew exponentially. This year, for The Big Billion Days 2021, I want to deliver 5,000 orders per day.”
LUCK BY ACTION, NOT BY CHANCE
While hard work was a necessary ingredient in Vivek’s recipe for success, he also made smart moves that helped him grow his online business. Upgrading from a 600 square feet warehouse to a larger one that offered him 1,500 square feet was critical. Apart from increasing the storage area for quicker dispatch of orders, his preparation also included targeted advertising to cities in the South, where he sees even more potential for growth.
Today, as he warms up for the upcoming TBBD, Vivek has dedicated himself to being a Flipkart Seller, discontinuing from most other online platforms. His reasons are simple. “Timely payment, regular updates, a simple and easy seller platform, and the support of account managers who share timely insights are things that set Flipkart apart from others. That is why, via Flipkart, I am able to process around 500 orders on any normal day.”
For this #SellfMade Flipkart seller, life completely transformed once he took a chance on his dreams.
“Before Flipkart happened, I was doing a normal job and living on rent. Three years down the line, I now own a 2BHK flat in Rajkot and have recently bought a car. I started the organization with my brother, and now we have grown to 5-person staff. Things are going well, and I look forward to achieving my target during this TBBD!” says Vivek.
Ahead of The Big Billion Days 2021, Flipkart has expanded its Kirana delivery program by on-boarding more than 100,000 Kirana partners from across the country. These partners will deliver millions of shipments during the festive season beginning with The Big Billion Days 2021.
By a conservative estimate, India has more than 12 million kirana stores. These small neighborhood stores are closely integrated with the communities and locales in which they operate. In description, they range from provision and general stores, mom-and-pop stores, tailor shops, stationery shops, etc.
Flipkart’s kirana partner program was initiated in 2019. Being one of the oldest retail formats in India, kiranas form the premise of modern retail in India and Flipkart endeavours to seamlessly assimilate both forms of retail to bring customer delight and create shared value. While aligning with the Flipkart Group’s goal of expanding its reach among consumers especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, it also enfolds these small businesses into the e-commerce ecosystem, providing business owners with additional sources of revenue. In the past year, partnering with Flipkart has contributed to an average increase of 30% in their monthly earnings.
Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group visits Kirana partner Somasekhar Reddy at his store in Bengaluru
Doorstep deliveries to customers have been one of the most successful kirana programs, observed Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group, following his interactions with these kirana partners in Bengaluru on the eve of the Big Billion Days 2021. He spoke to a number of kirana delivery partners about their experience with the program and learned how it has brought prosperity to them and also helped them upskill themselves digitally.
Somasekhar Reddy, who runs Shree Lakshmi Venkateswara provision store along with his father in a Bengaluru suburb, also doubles as Flipkart’s kirana partner for delivery of customer orders. He has been part of the Flipkart kirana program for over a year and has significantly increased his earnings while upskilling himself in digital skills and customer management. Others like Prasad, proprietor of Amith Bakery in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout area, and Suresh of Print House have been kirana partners with Flipkart for over two years.
“The Flipkart Group is committed to the development of Kiranas across the country through innovative partnerships to augment their incomes and equip them digitally,” Rajneesh added. “As one of the oldest and most trusted forms of retail in the county, kiranas are an essential part of the retail ecosystem in India and we, as a homegrown organisation, have been engaging with them in various ways to re-position and re-invent them as convenience stores from an e-commerce perspective.”
Kirana partner Prasad in conversation with Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group at his store in Bengaluru
Flipkart deploys a host of business processes and technologies to ensure wide availability of shipments for deliveries for the kirana partners to supplement their incomes. It also provides them with comprehensive training, including teaching the finer nuances of delivery, the functioning of the app and customer service. Flipkart’s kirana program offers partners the flexibility to choose their work hours and timings, while aligning with the Flipkart ethos of customer satisfaction and timely deliveries.
In the challenging environment offset by the COVID-19 global pandemic, e-commerce has been a lifeline for Indians, helping them shop for essentials and more from the safety of their homes. With kiranas integrated into the Flipkart Group’s alternate delivery model, the additional source of income has in turn supported kirana partners, helping them provide for their families, save up for their children’s education, repay loans, and meet other personal needs.
Hemant Badri, Senior Vice-President, Supply Chain at Flipkart, said, “Through a combination of their hyperlocal presence and innovations by Flipkart, the kirana delivery program has become a great enabler in strengthening the kirana ecosystem in the country. This will play a pivotal role in offering faster and personalised delivery experience to customers during this festive season and our annual flagship event, The Big Billion Days.”
Flipkart kirana partner Suresh speaks with Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group ahead of The Big Billion Days 2021
The kirana delivery program continues to benefit scores of kirana partners, helping sustain them financially especially during the pandemic lockdown periods. According to insights released by Flipkart as of May this year, the average monthly delivery incomes for kirana partners in southern India grew the most, followed by the East, West and North zones. Among the top cities, kirana partners from Hyderabad saw the highest growth followed by kiranas from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune.
The festive season presents an excellent opportunity for Flipkart’s kirana delivery partners to supplement their income and fulfil their aspirations, while ensuring that Flipkart customers get their much-awaited orders on time. Come October, many of these small business owners will start their day early while their family members take charge of their stores while they are out delivering orders.
Your next order may be delivered by a kirana partner. Look out for a familiar face and be sure to return the smile behind the mask!
From Warangal, Telangana, to Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, lakhs of artisans have been working through generations to create and preserve India’s complex and centuries-old artforms. The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) enables these artisans and urban poor women in this mission by helping them gain access to emerging market opportunities. In January 2020, NULM joined hands with Flipkart to further empower skilled workers and artisans by bringing them into the e-commerce fold.
Started in July 2019, Flipkart Samarth aims to uplift and embrace India’s artisans, weavers and micro-enterprises into e-commerce, giving them access to a pan-India customer base. The program offers cataloging support, training sessions, advertising credits and more, enabling smoother integration and equity to underserved sections.
The NULM-Flipkart Samarth partnership spans 25 states, encouraging artisans from each state to bring unique and traditional products onto a common platform. To know exactly where your product comes from, how it’s made, and the people who meticulously craft them, take a look at some of the artisans and their handmade and authentic products under this partnership.
Kullvi Topis and mufflers
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The pride and joy of Kullu’s residents, the Kullvi topi is a traditional product of Himachal Pradesh. A round hat with a flat top, the topi can be easily recognized by its colorful embroidery, consisting of many skillfully woven patterns. It is usually woven from local woolen yarn on a small khaddi. The topi is 100% handmade, including the yarn used in making it. Many in the valley wear these caps to keep warm in the chilly Himachal winters, and it is also an inseparable part of the traditional Kullu attire, worn on special occasions like marriages, festivals, religious functions, local events and gatherings.
Meet the makers
More than 20 women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) from the Himalayan Valley of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, hand-craft the region’s famous woolen-wear available on Flipkart. Many of the women create these products straight from their homes or government-provided workstations in the villages. As they find more success through e-commerce, they’ve had more women join them in making these products.
The craft of making Warangal dhurries is an intricate one, which comes with years of hard work in the pit-and-frame looms to transform threads of various colors into resplendent designs. Created exquisitely by hundreds of artisans in Warangal district of Telangana, they are the pride of Telangana’s handloom traditions. The minimalist zig-zag designs, durability and versatility make the dhurries popular across the world, with this craft recently receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) certificate tag.
Meet the makers
Long-lasting and useful, the dhurries are made using 100% cotton thread by weavers from Warangal. Under the Flipkart Samarth-NULM partnership, the products are manufactured by the Sri Sai Self Help Group in the district.
A free floating perennial aquatic plant, with broad glossy leaves, the water hyacinth is one of the fastest growing plants in the world. In Nagaon, Assam, a self help group (SHG) associated with the NULM has found a creative use for it — weaving baskets. The SHG members collect it from the Kolong River, a dead river near their locality. After harvesting the long water hyacinth, the roots and leaves are removed and the stems are kept under the sun for drying. After 5-7 days, the dried stems are collected and stored as bundles in a dry area. Finally, the SHG members weave or make a bag or basket out of them.
Meet the makers
Many women who are part of SHGs are involved in making Water Hyacinth products. In Nagaon town, the Lakhyajyoti SHG members work together to create products like ladies handbags, small purses and buckets.
The Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh is known for its legacy of metal casting. The work of making Chambyali thaal goes back to the era of the Chamba princely state. Many temples in the area, including Bharmour and Chamba, are known to have these metal carvings.
The metal plate has various designs and borders, embossed using an age-old technique called Repuouse, where the designs are raised using hammers and other tools. The themes range from traditional Chamba mythological Gods, replicas of sculptures from local temples or pahari miniatures.
Meet the makers
The Chamba metal plate products on Flipkart are made by 5 members of the Kalakriti Self Help Group and have been working on this craft for over 10 years.
An ancient art originating in the city of Ujjain, the Bhairavgarh print technique is believed to be over 200 years old.
A time-consuming process, the intricate motifs on the Bhairavgarh prints are created using melted wax. Wax is slowly heated over a gas fire until it melts and moved to a sand-covered table where wax patterns are drawn on a cloth with a stylus made by tying coconut husk on a metal rod. The cloth is then dyed to desired colors once the wax dries.
Meet the makers
Passed on through generations, the Madni Self Help Group in Ujjain, along with their families, practise this art to earn a livelihood.
The Karimnagar region of Telangana is home to many highly skilled artists who create detailed and delicate filigree products. Delicate silver threads are twisted in loops in a zig-zag pattern that gives them the unmistakable lace-like appearance. These strips and fine silver are further soldered together in the form of artistic motifs.
Interestingly, the roots of filigree can also be traced back to Italian and French metal work from the 17th to 19th century. Karimnagar Silver Filigree also received the Intellectual Property Rights protection or Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2007.
Meet the makers
These filigree brooches are manufactured by the Chilukuri Balaji Self Help Group and their families in Karimnagar, Telangana. They have been creating these products for years, playing a big part in saving this art from extinction. Passed down through generations, the filigree work represents the artistic as well as cultural pride of Karimnagar district in Telangana. The fine silver work is a task to master, and hence only skilled craftspersons are considered to be adept at this tradition.
Ankodi
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ankodi, also known as Gunthan Kala, is a form of crocheting that is indigenous to Gujarat. It’s a unique craft that makes use of golden threads. Completely handmade, this craft makes use of only one needle to manufacture various items – from hand purses to wallets.
Meet the makers
Highly skilled women artisans associated with Self Help Groups in Ahmedabad have been manufacturing these products since 2001. Selling their products on Flipkart has, they say, brought success and visibility to their craft and better incomes for the artisans, enabling them to dream big for their small businesses.
Bharti Sharda, Master Designer
I am very passionate about my work and happy to be a part of Flipkart’s The Big Billion Days. I believe that when you buy my products you support small local businesses and help us take it to the next level and also encourage women entrepreneurs. When people buy our product and see it on big platforms like Flipkart, it definitely increases our area of selling and our income also grows.
We all are eagerly waiting for The Big Billion Days and are working hard to make quality products. This is a big opportunity for us and we are expecting huge sales and more visibility with Flipkart Samarth.
Kavita Ben, Artisan
We used to make and sell products in nearby local markets but now also have an opportunity to sell our products on Flipkart and grow. More people will now get to know about our art and talent, creating awareness across the world and giving us a better source of income.
We are happy that our small products are going to live on Flipkart. We expect large-scale sales which will help grow our business.
Sheetal Ben, Artisan
We are small women entrepreneurs at a very grassroots level. With Flipkart Samarth we see our business growing, and our income too. We, as small-scale workers, earn on a daily basis. Now, we’ve got a good chance to showcase our talent and handmade items on Flipkart. I see a very good chance and opportunity to grow and earn during The Big Billion Days.
The Bhadrakali Dhoop products are made using powdered rose petals and Luban, an ayurvedic ingredient. These organic dhoop sticks are used in religious ceremonies and meditation.
Meet the makers
This product is manufactured by Adarsha City Level Federation. Over 10 women’s Self Help Groups earn their livelihood at this unit.
Shashi Mastani Nauvari Patal (Lugada)
Nagpur, Maharashtra
The Nauvari is a nine-yards saree from the state of Maharashtra, and its name is derived from the length of the fabric. Its unique style of draping is one of the hallmarks of this garment and its history is often traced back centuries.
Meet the makers
These Nauvari sarees are crafted by women from the Snehal Mahila Bachat Gat in the city of Nagpur in Maharashtra. Many of them have been supported with capital to start their business by NULM, and the women are now teaching the craft to many others.
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