Social entrepreneurship is an avenue where compassion meets innovation, driving transformative changes in society. Alina Alam, the founder of Mitti Café, exemplifies this spirit. Azim Premji University alumna and a pioneer in inclusive dining, Alina has built Mitti Café, an initiative
that offers an exceptional dining experience and is completely run by a team of differently abled people.

What inspired your decision to start Mitti Cafe?

It was during my time at Azim Premji University that I came across numerous concepts that struck a chord within me. The courses I took, particularly sociology, ecology, and sustainability, opened my eyes to viewing the world from different perspectives. These experiences laid the foundation for my determination to create a change, culminating in the establishment of Mitti Café while I was still studying at the University.
My motivation to focus on creating employment opportunities for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities stemmed from personal experiences, particularly the influence of my grandmother, who had a disability, but while growing up, all I saw in her were her abilities.
Another significant influence was a documentary I watched about Roman emperor Nero, which made me realise that keeping quiet, looking at the atrocities unfold before you, makes you side with an oppressor.
In my final semester, I chose not to pursue campus placements and began volunteering with organisations in the inclusion space in Bengaluru. Through this experience, I recognised the need to shift mindsets and create awareness about disabilities. Leveraging my
belief in the power of food to generate employment and foster inclusion, I conceptualised Mitti Café as ​‘Mitti’ in Hindi means mud, symbolising our shared origin and destiny despite our diverse backgrounds.

What were the initial challenges you faced and how were they overcome?

The initial stages of setting up Mitti Café were exceptionally challenging. Funding was a significant hurdle due to a lack of start-up capital and my limited knowledge of entrepreneurship. Rejections from incubation centres and corporate institutions were disheartening, but the Deshpande Foundation came to our aid, offering the crucial support needed to convert a tin shed into our first cafe in Hubli. The community played a pivotal role, with about 90 percent of our equipment being donated by strangers. We faced similar challenges in securing disabled individuals to kickstart the cafe, but with perseverance, we overcame these obstacles.

Since our humble beginnings in 2017, Mitti Café has witnessed a transformative journey, growing from a single outlet to over 35 locations across major cities. We now employ over 250 adults with various disabilities and have collectively served over 10 million meals (figures as of Feb 2024).

How are employees chosen and trained at Mitti Café, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds?

At Mitti Café, our employee selection process is multifaceted. We often recruit individuals from underprivileged backgrounds by rehabilitating those found begging or homeless on the streets. Additionally, referrals and collaborations with a network of NGOs and inclusion-focused institutions are essential sources of hiring. Our experiential training programme has been pivotal, training over 3,000 individuals with disabilities to date (as of Feb 2024).

The training is designed to be comprehensive, emphasising practical, hands-on experience in a real café environment. This includes training in customer service, inventory management, barista skills, and more. Our trainers, some of whom have disabilities themselves, provide mentorship and guidance, boosting employee confidence and equipping them with crucial job skills.

The programme aims to empower individuals with disabilities, promoting their employability not just within Mitti Café but also within the broader hospitality industry. This fosters independence and self-sufficiency while challenging societal misconceptions about their capabilities. It’s not just about serving meals and beverages; it’s about making individuals a part of society in all its forms.

What are your upcoming plans for Mitti Cafe?

Our vision for Mitti Café is expansive, aiming to extend our impact across India and beyond by establishing a wide network of inclusive cafes. We plan to open more outlets in different cities, offering meaningful employment to a larger number of adults with disabilities. Collaborations with corporate offices and educational institutions for Mitti Café outlets within their premises are on the horizon, spreading the message of inclusivity and creating diverse employment opportunities. Our new outlet at the Supreme Court of India exemplifies our commitment to inclusivity. Additionally, we are exploring innovative ventures aligned with our mission, potentially creating a product line whose proceeds would support our cause.

Reflections, experiences, and learnings

Being the founder and CEO of Mitti Café has brought me immense personal fulfilment through witnessing the tangible impact our initiative has on individuals with disabilities. Moments where employees gain confidence, improve their quality of life, and contribute to society reaffirm my dedication to this cause. 

One poignant experience was Kirti’s growth from crawling into her interview due to the lack of a wheelchair to managing a café and purchasing her own wheelchair from her salary. Another impactful moment was when our employees initiated serving meals to those in need during the pandemic, embodying Mitti Café’s essence of empowering individuals to make a positive difference.

The key lessons learnt are rooted in the power of community and collaboration, resilience, authenticity, and unwavering passion. Starting with a cause that resonates, engaging the community, staying resilient, and embracing challenges are critical elements in the journey of social entrepreneurship, where passion and determination drive lasting impact.

Want to connect?

Connect with Alina Alam at alina.​alam14@​apu.​edu.​in