94-year-old ‘Barfi’ woman becomes famous with startup; The true story of Atma Nirbhar India

Among fans of her barfis are Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh and businessman Anand Mahindra  

People tend to retire by the age of 60, but 94-year-old Harbhajan Kaur has set an example. She makes barfis, a milk based sweet. The barfis are in such demand that other family members need to help her. The barfi fan club have some eminent members; two of them are CM of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh and businessman Anand Mahindra. Mahindra has declared her as the “Entrepreneur of the Year”. Harbhajan was inspired by her daughter. It so happened that one-day Harbhajan said to her daughter that she hadn’t earned a penny in her life and now wants to earn.

Her daughter who knew her speciality was preparing barfis asked her to create a business out of the confection.

Harbhajan approached the organic market of Sector-18. She first received a 5 kg ‘barfi’ order. People loved it so much that the demand increased.

Slowly, Harbhajan’s business started growing. Gradually she also started preparing almond syrup juice, bitter gourd ice cream, tomato sauces, Lentil, chutneys and pickles. But the barfis continue to remain as part of her identity.

Today the business has become so big that Harbhajan is helped by her daughters and her granddaughters. But Harbhajan still takes care of the cooking.

Harbhajan says that she had learnt to make barfis by her father. This tradition has been in the family for 100 years.

Harbhajan’s barfis are not only popular in Punjab but also in many other states. Harbhajan does all her work from her home. She has never had any shop of her own.

Harbhajan says that she feels happy that she is able to feed people because of the food she makes.