President Droupadi Murmu praised Mitti Café at Rashtrapati Bhavan as a “symbol of inclusion, equality and limitless possibilities”, highlighting how the café, run largely by persons with disabilities, is generating dignity and employment across India.
National landmark meets social enterprise
In a post on social media platform X, President Murmu called the café “a matter of pride for all, especially Divyangjan and their families."
"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 on X.
Mitti Café was founded by Alina Alam and has expanded to 47 outlets nationwide, including at the Supreme Court of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan, major airports, and corporate campuses. The café model creates employment and livelihood opportunities for adults with physical, intellectual and psychiatric disabilities, making it a ground-level push for equals-at-work in India, as per the Mitti Cafe’s website.
Changing perceptions and building dignity
Mitti Café isn’t just about coffee and snacks, it’s about changing how society views people with disabilities. Staff members are trained, accommodated and empowered. For instance, menus in Braille, accessible washrooms and adaptive billing systems are part of the setup, as per an IndiaTimes report. Stories from the chain show how persons once excluded from the workforce now lead teams, manage operations and find self-respect. By spotlighting the Rashtrapati Bhavan outlet, the President has elevated this initiative as a national symbol, making inclusion not just a CSR term but an everyday business reality.
Mitti Café at Rashtrapati Bhavan stands, quite literally, in the heart of India’s power structure, and yet its message is simple: give opportunity, remove barriers, and society moves forward. For visitors, it offers more than chai; it offers a chance to witness dignity in action.
