In an inspiring tale of innovation and perseverance, Jodhpur’s Amit Soni, a former MBA professional, transformed his passion for baking into a multi-crore venture. His journey took an unexpected and remarkable turn when Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself cut a millet-based chocolate truffle cake he had crafted, catapulting his bakery into the national spotlight.
A Millet Experiment That Took Center Stage
A few years ago, Amit was entrusted by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI-PUSA) with a challenge—creating confectioneries using millets, a grain often overlooked due to its distinct taste and lack of gluten. Determined to rise to the occasion, he experimented for over a month before perfecting his recipe—a rich, chocolate truffle cake made with pearl millet (bajra).
Little did Amit know that his creation would be chosen for a high-profile event. Officials from the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) collected his 80-kilogram cake, divided into eight massive 10-kilogram pieces, and transported it to Delhi. A few days later, Amit received a video link that left him in awe—PM Modi, accompanied by dignitaries like Narendra Singh Tomar, Kailash Choudhary, and Rajnath Singh, was slicing into his millet cake.
“It was a surreal moment, a goosebumps experience,” Amit recalls. This singular event catapulted his bakery into the limelight, garnering attention from prestigious organizations and institutions.
From a Salesman to a Master Baker
Born into a family of jewelry artisans, Amit chose a different path. With an MBA in HR and Marketing, he worked in various industries, including electronics and event management. However, his true calling emerged when he became a factory manager at a local bakery company, where he learned the intricacies of the trade.
His turning point came in 2017 when he decided to leave his job and start his own business. Despite knowing little about baking, he took a leap of faith and enrolled in the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Mumbai for formal training. Further refining his skills in Thailand, he gained expertise in crafting premium bakery products.
“My father insisted I stay in Jodhpur instead of moving abroad for job opportunities. He supported me financially, while my mother helped me perfect my cookies and cakes,” he shares. As a tribute to his parents, Amit launched his bakery, RDz 1983, in 2019, blending his entrepreneurial spirit with heartfelt family values.
Perseverance: The Key Ingredient
RDz 1983 initially focused on traditional bakery items, but Amit’s interest in millet-based products deepened when ICAR Rajasthan placed an order for a bajra-based chocolate truffle cake. Encouraged by the response, he expanded into millet cookies, brownies, and breads—products with a longer shelf life and growing demand among health-conscious consumers.
The journey was anything but easy. “I failed 96 times before perfecting a gluten-free millet cookie recipe. It took me three months to develop just two varieties, using sesame seeds and dry fruits,” Amit recalls. Today, his pearl millet cookies are among his best-selling products, distributed to over 100 hotels in India and exported to Bahrain and Dubai.
National Recognition & Global Ambitions
PM Modi’s endorsement brought an influx of opportunities. Amit’s millet cookies have been served at UN meetings, government ministries, and prestigious events like the G20 Summit in Udaipur. His products are increasingly replacing traditional maida-based confectioneries, aligning with India’s push for healthier, sustainable food options.
“With these millet creations, I want to cater to the health-conscious audience while also reducing dependence on maida and palm oil,” he says.
Currently, RDz 1983 produces 150 kg of millet cookies daily, serving around 15,000 customers per month. His younger brother, Dr. Sumit Soni, a physiotherapist by profession, has also joined the business, adding innovative product ideas to their lineup. Their offerings now include a variety of millet-based cookies and cakes in flavors such as vanilla, blueberry, chocolate, cumin, and dry fruits.
“Our secret ingredient is love,” smiles Sumit, emphasizing their commitment to quality and authenticity.
Future Expansion & A Healthier India
With an annual revenue of Rs 1.5 crore, Amit’s bakery is expanding beyond Rajasthan into cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai. Plans are also in motion to enter international markets in Ethiopia, Germany, and Georgia.
“I believe success comes when passion and perseverance bake together,” Amit says with a smile, preparing his next batch of millet cookies—this time, for CRPF jawans who will relish his nutritious and flavorful treats.
Amit Soni’s journey stands as a testament to how innovation, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to health-conscious baking can turn an ambitious dream into a multi-crore success story.