Nargis Gaur, founder of Mum’s Kitchen, graced the 75th episode of Jam with Sam hosted by Sampath Iyengar. From her conservative upbringing in Mumbai to becoming a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Nargis’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and passion for service.
Early Life: Lessons in Empathy and Resilience
Born and raised in Mumbai, Nargis attended Queen Mary’s School, a strict Protestant institution where discipline was the cornerstone. An unforgettable childhood incident taught her the value of empathy. “When my principal tripped, I giggled and got a tight slap in return,” she recalled. “That taught me to help people instead of laughing at them.”
Later, Nargis attended Jain College, where she majored in Economics and met her husband, Deepak Gaur. Their love story was a testament to perseverance, as they navigated cultural differences for seven years before tying the knot.
Corporate Life: Shaped by Mentorship
Nargis’s professional journey began in 1976 with the Advocate General of Maharashtra, but she soon realized law wasn’t her calling. She then joined Citibank under the mentorship of Jerry Rao, a renowned leader known for innovation.
“Jerry taught me everything I know today—confidence, event management, compliance, and thinking outside the box,” Nargis said. Working closely with Jerry for over 14 years, she witnessed milestones like the launch of India’s first plastic card and ATMs, which fueled her passion for innovative thinking.
Entrepreneurship: From Logistics to Food
After leaving Citibank, Nargis co-founded Rowan Enterprises with her husband, a logistics company serving major banks. “We started with Citibank as our first client and grew to manage a variety of services like KYC processes, doorstep banking, and document delivery,” she shared. The company now employs over 250 staff, delivering critical services for financial institutions.
However, her entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. Feeling a creative itch, Nargis launched Mum’s Kitchen, a catering business that blends her love for food with her desire to serve. Inspired by her great aunt, a celebrated Parsi cook, Nargis started small but quickly scaled to cater to corporates, individuals, and even niche Parsi clientele. “We’re online through platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, and we also serve elderly Parsis who lack proper food services,” she said.
Community Work and Personal Growth
Nargis’s commitment to service extends beyond business. As a Rotarian and Baha’i, she has spent years working on community projects, from teaching English to underprivileged children to fostering interfaith harmony.
Her faith as a Baha’i, a global religion emphasizing unity and service, is a guiding force in her life. “It’s about believing in one God and one humanity while contributing to society,” Nargis explained.
Looking Ahead: A Dream for the Future
As she reflects on her life’s journey, Nargis dreams of opening an orphanage in her ancestral town of Deolali. “I want to work with children and create something meaningful in a small community. It would be the perfect way to complete the circle of my life,” she shared.
Her story inspires others to think big and embrace their passions, no matter how daunting the challenges may seem.
About Nargis Gaur:
Nargis Gaur is the founder of Mum’s Kitchen and co-founder of Rowan Enterprises, with a career spanning corporate leadership, logistics, and food services. A dedicated Rotarian and Baha’i, she is passionate about giving back to society through service and community work. Nargis’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference.