Meet 97Years Old, ‘Young Entrepreneur’ Harbhajan Kaur: Turning Passion Into a Sweet Success
Meet 97Years Old, 'Young Entrepreneur' Harbhajan Kaur: Turning Passion Into a Sweet Success
From Taran Tarn to Global Fame: A Culinary Dream Realized
Harbhajan Kaur, a 97-year-old woman from the small town of Taran Tarn, Punjab, has proven that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams. With the unwavering support of her family, she transitioned from being a passionate home cook to becoming the face of a thriving food business, all while embodying the spirit of determination and love for her craft.
A Legacy of Culinary Excellence
Harbhajan’s journey began in her childhood kitchen, where she learned the art of cooking from her mother while cherishing recipes passed down from her father. Her father’s sweets, prepared for special occasions, left a lasting impression, and she aspired to replicate his culinary skills. Over the decades, her kitchen became the heart of her home, with her husband being her biggest fan and motivator.
The Spark That Ignited a Dream
The defining moment came during a tea-time conversation with her daughter, Raveena Suri, who asked if Harbhajan had any unfulfilled dreams. Harbhajan expressed her desire to earn her own money, a dream she had never realized despite a life full of love and respect. This sparked a family mission to turn her passion into a business.
Her first batch of besan barfi, made using a recipe steeped in tradition, was packed into pastry boxes with hand-painted stickers bearing the tagline “Bachpan yaad aa jaaye” (reminding you of childhood). The products, which also included tomato chutney in small jars, were sold at an organic market. Harbhajan’s barfis were an instant hit, selling out quickly and earning her first paycheck of Rs. 2,000.
A Sweet Business Flourishes
What started as a small initiative soon grew into a recognized brand, offering not just besan barfi but also ladoos, panjiri and pickles such as gobi shalgam gajar ka achaar (cauliflower, turnip, and carrot pickle) and Amritsari mango pickle. The volume of orders increased steadily, with Harbhajan’s grandson, Chef Manav Suri, managing production in his cloud kitchen, and her granddaughter, Mallika Suri, overseeing logistics and branding.
The family ensured the transition from a home-grown venture to a scalable operation without compromising the authenticity and love embedded in Harbhajan’s recipes.
An Inspirational Journey of Fulfillment
In 2019, Harbhajan’s culinary skills took center stage during her granddaughter’s wedding, where she prepared 300 boxes of her signature Besan Barfi. The event brought her even greater recognition, and orders began pouring in from across Chandigarh and beyond.
Chef Manav Suri described his grandmother’s creations as “made with love and pure intentions,” emphasizing that her cooking philosophy is a cornerstone of their success.
Global Reach Through Online Platforms
Today, Harbhajan’s creations are available for online order, allowing customers worldwide to savor the flavors of her childhood recipes. Her story is a testament to how age is no barrier to ambition, and her journey continues to inspire countless others.
What’s Next for Harbhajan?
At the age of 97, Harbhajan Kaur is not just a home cook turned entrepreneur; she is a symbol of resilience, proving that dreams are timeless. Her vision remains rooted in her family’s values and her father’s advice: “Cook with a heart full of love and pure intentions, and the end product will always be wonderful.”
Harbhajan’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to make your mark, even in the sweetest way possible.
