We investigate the significance of Mitti Cafe and the reason behind Supreme Court’s decision to open the cafe inside its premises along with its menu and founder
In another development, the Supreme Court of India has opened ‘Mitti Cafe’ on its premises to provide employment and dignity to individuals with disabilities.
Supreme Court Mitti Cafe menu, location and owner
The cafe, founded by Alina Alam in 2017, has expanded to over 38 cafes and served over 2 Million meals during the Covid pandemic. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud praised the cafe for its role in promoting inclusiveness and providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The cafe will provide freshly-baked eatables prepared by the Mitti Cafe community in its own bakery but the menu isn’t revealed yet.
There are going to be around 10 to 12 people who will work here and the goal is to provide dishes that people will enjoy with the cafe set to open on November 19. The menu of the Kamla Nagar branch in Delhi can be found here.
With an all-women’s leadership team, under CEO-founder Alina Alam, the cafe chain claims to have provided employment to hundreds of differently abled people and according to their website, as of Friday they had served over 10 million meals since its inception and also started a catering service, besides providing gifting solutions. The cafe claims it serves nutritious meals to the poor as well.
VIDEO | CJI DY Chandrachud inaugurates 'Mitti Cafe' inside Supreme Court complex. The cafe is managed by differently-abled people. pic.twitter.com/MpRbpL4dy6
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 10, 2023
Why the Supreme Court allowed ‘Mitti Cafe’ to operate on its premises?
Last Friday, the Supreme Court welcomed a dynamic group of individuals, empowering them to pursue their aspirations for a dignified livelihood despite encountering physical or psychiatric disabilities. The court granted permission for the establishment of a cafe on its premises, where the group can serve food and beverages to lawyers, litigants, and court staff.
Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, inaugurating the ‘Mitti Cafe’ in the company of judges, conveyed that it was an honor to host a branch of the cafe within the Supreme Court. Founded by Alina Alam in 2017, Mitti Cafe, now a non-profit organization, has expanded to operate 38 cafes. During the Covid pandemic, it provided over 2 Million meals to vulnerable communities and the homeless.
How Mitti Cafe continues to play a crucial role in helping the society?
Chandrachud underscored in his statement that inclusiveness is not merely an aspiration but a crucial element for unlocking society’s full potential. Mitti Cafe has, thanks to its supportive role in addressing historical societal wrongs, found a new place in the Supreme Court. The organization actively works towards building economic independence and dignity for adults with physical, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities.
Mitti Cafe not only provides employment and experiential training but has also served a remarkable 11 Million meals to date, contributing to increased awareness about inclusion. The Chief Justice commended the extraordinary talents present in these communities, evident in the cafe decor that includes printed mirrors, buntings, and handcrafted ‘kulhars’ for tea.