MITTI Cafe is an NGO in Bangalore that is more than just a chain of cafes; it is a source of hope, inclusion and empowerment for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities in India. Founded by the determined Ayesha Alam, this remarkable NGO in Bangalore has not only revolutionized the way we perceive disability but has also made significant strides in addressing the pressing issue of hunger among vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Their fundraiser on Give here charts the inspiring journey of Mitti Cafe, its mission, accomplishments and the impact it has had on the lives of countless individuals.
A mission of inclusion and empowerment
At its core, Mitti Cafe is on a mission to provide experiential training and employment opportunities for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. In a society that has often marginalized and discriminated against people with disabilities, this NGO in Bangalore is a testament to the capabilities and potential that lie within each individual, irrespective of their physical or intellectual challenges.
Mitti Cafe operates a network of cafes across India, each managed and staffed by hundreds of adults with disabilities. These remarkable individuals have not only been serving delectable meals and beverages but also serving as ambassadors of inclusion and disability rights. Over the past few years, Mitti Cafe has proudly served over 6 million meals and beverages, raising awareness about inclusion with every plate and cup.
COVID-19: rising to the challenge
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, but Mitti Cafe and its warriors with disabilities rose to the occasion. Even during these trying times, they managed to cook and serve over 2 million meals to the poor, vulnerable communities and homeless groups. This incredible feat not only highlighted their resilience but also underscored the importance of economic independence and dignity, irrespective of one’s abilities – donate here.
Karuna Meals initiative
However, Mitti Cafe’s mission extended beyond their own cafes. They recognized that hunger and malnutrition had become a stark reality for thousands of elderly people who had been abandoned by their own children in villages and slums across India. Witnessing this distress, this NGO in Bangalore launched the Karuna Meals initiative, spearheaded by a team of selfless heroes, all of whom had disabilities themselves.
Under the leadership of the founder Ayesha Alam, this team worked tirelessly to provide cooked meals and dry rations to over 5,000 elderly individuals in urgent need of support. The need for nutrition support continued to grow with each passing day, presenting Mitti Cafe with an enormous challenge.
Ayesha Alam’s perspective
Ayesha Alam, the founder of Mitti Cafe, shared her poignant insights into the extent of hunger faced by senior citizens. “There have been countless senior citizens, in extremely backward villages of the Sundarbans in West Bengal, who had not had a proper meal in days when we found them. We have seen people picking food from the garbage out of extreme hunger.” According to Ayesha, thousands of elderly individuals have been either thrown out of their homes or abandoned by their children. She believes that it is the collective responsibility of society to come to their aid and alleviate their suffering – donate here.
Persons with disabilities, once discriminated against by society, are now at the forefront of the fight to save abandoned elderly and children from hunger. The Karuna Meals team, composed entirely of persons with disabilities, has achieved remarkable milestones. They have cooked and served over 10 lakh meals and distributed over 1 lakh packets of dry rations. Ayesha Alam lauds their selflessness, stating that they “overlook their own struggles and suffering just to reach the elderly and provide them with the food they need.”
The road ahead for this NGO in Bangalore
While Mitti Cafe and its Karuna Meals team have made significant progress, there are still many villages with malnourished and hungry seniors whom they have not been able to reach. Ayesha Alam remains steadfast in her commitment, stating, “There are still many villages which have many malnourished and hungry seniors, and we have not been able to reach them. But with your support, we can collectively end starvation.”
Recognition and awards
In a relatively short span, Mitti Cafe has garnered recognition and accolades for its exceptional work. This remarkable NGO in Bangalore has been featured in Forbes’ prestigious “30 Under 30” list, received the Commonwealth Youth Award and won awards such as the NCPEDP Mindtree Helen Keller Award, Times of India-She Unlimited Award, Rotary Exemplar Award, Microsoft Nipman Award and the Tiecon Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award, among others. These honors serve as a testament to the organization’s dedication and impact on society.
Mitti Cafe: making a difference
Mitti Cafe is not merely a chain of cafes; it is a powerful force for change, inclusion and empowerment. Through its innovative approach to providing training and employment to persons with disabilities and its unwavering commitment to fighting hunger among vulnerable populations, Mitti Cafe has become a shining light for those in need. The story of Mitti Cafe is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion, proving that abilities far outweigh disabilities when given the right opportunities and support. To support Mitti Cafe, you can donate here.
Give exists to alleviate poverty by enabling the world to give. Established in 2000, Give, together with its partners, is the largest and most trusted giving platform in India. Give enables individuals and organizations to raise and donate funds conveniently to any cause they care about, with offerings including crowdfunding, corporate giving, cause marketing, and philanthropy consulting. Give’s community of 2.6M+ donors supports 3,000+ verified nonprofits, serving 15M+ people across the country.
Leave a Reply