From Tiffins to ORMR Flavours: A Resilient Journey of Loss and New Beginnings

Life can change in an instant. In 2020, when the world paused due to COVID-19, many faced fear and uncertainty. Yet, in the middle of that chaos, a story of resilience and hope began in a small kitchen in Jalandhar. This is the journey from a humble tiffin service to a new venture in flavours, marked by strength, loss, and fresh starts.

Packed tiffin boxes ready for delivery in a home kitchen

Starting Small with Annapurna Tiffin Service

When the pandemic hit, many people found themselves isolated and struggling to access home-cooked meals. Komal Gill saw an opportunity to bring comfort through food. With just a simple website and a Google page, she began cooking a few meals daily from her kitchen.

Within months, Annapurna Tiffin Service grew to serve over 160 tiffins every day across Jalandhar. The customers were diverse: doctors on the frontlines, hospital staff working long shifts, college students away from home, PG residents, and night-shift workers. Each tiffin was more than just food; it was a warm embrace, a reminder of home during difficult times.

This phase showed how small acts of care could build a community. The business was not just about meals but about connection and support.

Facing Loss and the Pause in Life

In 2022, tragedy struck. Komal’s father-in-law suffered multiple organ failure and passed away. The loss was profound and left a silence that affected the entire family. The kitchen that once buzzed with purpose grew quiet. Annapurna Tiffin Service came to a halt, and with it, a part of Komal’s spirit dimmed.

Grief can make moving forward feel impossible. But it also reveals the strength found in those who stand beside us.

Finding Strength and a New Path with ORMR Flavours

During this difficult time, Komal’s husband became her anchor. He encouraged her not to return to the past but to build something new. Together, they envisioned a fresh venture: ORMR Flavours.

This new business would focus on creating seasoning blends as a private label brand. The idea was to bring authentic, rich flavours into people’s kitchens, helping them rediscover the true taste of food. The name ORMR carries a powerful meaning. It symbolizes revival, inspired by the thought that today’s generation has lost its true taste, much like a dragon that has become extinct.

ORMR represents awakening and bringing back the depth of flavour that connects us to tradition and culture.

Close-up of spice jars with vibrant colours on a wooden shelf

Building ORMR Flavours: Lessons and Vision

Starting ORMR Flavours was not just about business. It was about healing and creating something meaningful from pain. The transition from cooking meals to crafting spice blends required new skills and a fresh approach.

Some key steps in this journey included:

• Researching traditional recipes and flavour profiles to ensure authenticity.

• Testing blends in small batches to perfect taste and aroma.

• Designing packaging that reflects the brand’s story of revival and care.

• Connecting with local suppliers to source quality ingredients.

• Sharing the story behind ORMR to build a loyal customer base.

  
  

The focus remains on quality and connection. ORMR Flavours aims to help people bring warmth and tradition into their homes, just like Annapurna Tiffin Service did with its meals.

The Power of Resilience and New Beginnings

This journey shows how resilience can turn loss into opportunity. Komal’s story is a reminder that even when life pauses, the spirit to create and nurture can rise again. The support of loved ones and a clear vision can guide us through the darkest times.

For anyone facing setbacks, this story encourages looking for new paths and trusting in the strength within. Whether it’s through food, flavours, or any passion, new beginnings are possible.

High angle view of spices and herbs on a kitchen table with a recipe book