November 10, 2023: Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud inaugurated ‘Mitti Cafe’ within the premises of the Supreme Court of India. The cafe, managed entirely by individuals with disabilities, including visual impairments, cerebral palsy, and paraplegia, aims to promote inclusivity and provide employment opportunities for this demographic.
During the inaugural ceremony, CJI Chandrachud lauded the Mitti team for their extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing an impressive 6+ million meals. Expressing his hope for widespread support from the legal community, he stated, “These cafe members served 6 million meals during COVID. All who are managing it are disabled. I hope all the lawyers support this initiative.”
The Chief Justice urged legal community members to endorse the initiative and announced the official inauguration of the cafe within the court complex. This move aligns with his commitment to fostering inclusivity within the legal realm.
In a symbolic gesture towards inclusivity, CJI Chandrachud emphasized, “I hope the bar will support the initiative,” highlighting that all cafe managers are individuals with disabilities. The ceremony featured a cultural performance by disabled individuals, including singing the national anthem in sign language.
CJI Chandrachud highlighted that Mitti Cafe has additional outlets across India, including locations such as Bangalore Airport, Mumbai International Airport, and various multinational corporations.
Attorney General R. Venkatramani praised the initiative, describing it as a “wonderful act of compassion.”
Mitti Cafe, a project by the Mitti Social Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization working with people with special needs, has already established 38 centres across India. Since its inception in 2017, it has served over 10 million meals. The cafe’s mission extends beyond providing meals; it aims to create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, offering catering and gifting solutions focusing on providing nutritious meals to the underprivileged.
Alina Alam, the founder of Mitti Cafe, extends her heartfelt gratitude to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud for the invaluable opportunity to establish Mitti Cafe within the prestigious Supreme Court premises. Acknowledging CJI Chandrachud’s support, Alina underscores the profound significance of this initiative in empowering individuals with disabilities, encompassing visual impairments, cerebral palsy, and paraplegia. Beyond being a cafe, Mitti Cafe symbolizes a transformative platform dedicated to fostering inclusivity and providing meaningful employment opportunities for a demographic often marginalized in the traditional job market.
This collaboration with the Supreme Court breaks down societal stigmas and signifies a commitment to promoting diversity, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the remarkable talents within the disability community. Alina Alam’s expression of thanks encapsulates the broader mission of Mitti Cafe, where the emphasis on inclusivity goes beyond jobs, aiming to instill purpose, dignity, and economic independence among individuals with special needs, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape.
The Mitti Social Initiative Foundation, the non-profit organization behind Mitti Cafe, promotes employment and livelihood for people with special needs. Their outreach initiatives are designed to raise awareness about inclusion and disability rights.
About Mitti Cafe
Mitti Cafe, a social initiative of the Mitti Social Initiative Foundation, operates 35+ cafes, employing hundreds of adults with special needs. With over 10 million meals served, some outlets are located at Bengaluru International Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, Wipro, Accenture, and ANZ Bank. The foundation is committed to the cause of employment and livelihood for people with special needs, working towards economic independence and dignity.
Mitti Social Initiative Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the cause of employment and livelihood for people with special needs. They work towards economic independence and dignity for adults with physical, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities, as well as persons from other vulnerable communities. The organization’s outreach initiatives also aim to create awareness about inclusion and disability rights. Mitti Cafe and Mitti Social Initiative Foundation exemplify a holistic approach to fostering employment opportunities, dignity, and awareness for individuals with special needs.
For further information, interested parties can visit Mitti Cafe’s official website: https://www.mitticafe.org/
