New Delhi [India], November 9 : President Droupadi Murmu has described Mitti Cafe at Rashtrapati Bhavan as a "symbol of inclusion, equality, and limitless possibilities," stating that the cafe is a matter of pride for all, especially persons with disabilities and their families.
"The Mitti Cafe at Rashtrapati Bhavan stands as a symbol of inclusion, equality, and limitless possibilities. A matter of pride for all, especially Divyangjan and their families, the Cafe welcomes visitors with warmth and smiles," President Murmu said in a post on X.
"It inspires everyone to build a more inclusive and compassionate society. Do remember to visit the Mitti Cafe when you are at Rashtrapati Bhavan," the President added.
Mitti Cafe has 47 outlets across India. Some of the most well-known locations where it operates include the Supreme Court of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Gujarat High Court, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Lucknow International Airports, India Coffee House, Wipro, Infosys, Accenture, Wells Fargo, ANZ Bank, IQVIA, Hansraj College, and IIM Bangalore.
Founded by Alina Alam, Mitti Cafe is a nationally and internationally recognised social enterprise that provides meaningful employment and livelihood opportunities to adults with physical, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities. Established around 2015, the organisation operates cafes across India, making it the world's largest chain of cafes run entirely by persons with disabilities.
The organisation operates in partnership with public and private institutions, integrating disability inclusion into mainstream corporate and public ecosystems.
According to Mitti Cafe's website, the non-profit organisation is committed to the cause of employment and livelihoods for people with special needs.
"We work towards economic independence and dignity for adults with physical, intellectual and psychiatric disabilities and persons from other vulnerable communities. The organisation's outreach initiatives also help create awareness about inclusion and disability rights," it said.
Mitti Cafe's journey has been marked by consistent national and international recognition for its pioneering work in disability inclusion, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable employment. The organisation has been honoured with the National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities by the President of India, the United Nations Intercultural Innovation Award, and the NITI Aayog Women Transforming India Award.
Its founder, Alina Alam, has been celebrated as a Commonwealth Youth Icon and has received the CNBC-Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Indian Express Stree Shakti Award, and the Frontier Awards at Cannes.