In a heartwarming display of inclusivity and compassion, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, who turned 66 on Thursday, inaugurated Mitti cafe in Rashtrapati Bhavan and chose to celebrate her birthday in a unique way. Born on June 20, 1958, in Uparbeda village of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj, Murmu ascended to the role of the 15th President of India on July 25, 2022. Eschewing the pomp and ceremony often associated with high office, she spent her special day with the cheerful staff of Mitti Cafe, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable livelihoods to persons with disabilities.
This gesture is more than a simple act of celebration; it is a powerful statement about the values that President Murmu holds dear. Mitti Cafe, known for its award-winning work in empowering differently-abled individuals, represents a movement towards an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute.
The President’s visit to Mitti Cafe is not just about cutting a birthday cake in the company of its staff it is recognition of the potential within each individual and a celebration of the diversity that strengthens the fabric of our nation. By choosing to be at Mitti Cafe, President Murmu sends a clear message that every person is valuable, and every effort towards creating inclusive spaces is worthwhile.
Mitti Cafe is an award-winning non-profit organization that provides employment and experiential training to adults with physical, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities.
Cafe has received several prestigious awards, including the NitiAyog-Women Transforming India Award, NCPEDP Mindtree Helen Keller Award (2023), United Nations Intercultural Innovation Award (2021), Commonwealth Youth Icon Award (2021), and has been featured in Forbes’ list of 30 under 30 (2020). It has also received the Conde Nast Traveller Awards and Zero Project Award (2020). It’s approach to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and raising awareness about disability inclusion is both powerful and simple, and it is making a profound impact. MITTI creates platforms for livelihoods and awareness through their Cafes, Community Meals and Skill Development Initiatives
MITTI Cafe takes a groundbreaking step in the journey towards inclusion, millions of people with disabilities will be filled with a sense of purpose as The Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the MITTI cafe outlet at the President’s Estates.
With 40+ MITTI Cafes spread across the country, including prestigious locations like the Supreme Court of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan, multiple airports, corporate offices, colleges, and hospitals, MITTI has built a network run by thousands of people with physical, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities. These remarkable individuals have served over 11 million meals and beverages, each one a testament to their abilities and potential. The colourful and aesthetic decor at MITTI Cafes are created by their team of adults with disabilities and mothers of adults with disabilities with buntings, dream catchers, furniture, mirrors all handmade with love.
MITTI’s team members with disabilities are the catalysts for change. They have cooked, packed, and served over 6 million Karuna Meals (compassion meals) to economically vulnerable communities. This initiative has not only provided sustenance to those in need but also shattered the misconception that persons with disabilities cannot help others. From urban centres to the remote Sunderbans, this program demonstrates that when given the right opportunities, persons with disabilities can uplift themselves and serve the nation in its time of need.
MITTI Café is a movement towards an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute. By supporting MITTI Café, the community is not just enjoying a meal; they are becoming part of a powerful wave of change, helping to build a world where dignity and self-reliance are accessible to all.
President Murmu’s birthday celebration is a testament to her belief in a society where every individual is empowered to lead a life of dignity and purpose.
