President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Mitti Café at Rashtrapati Nilayam
Hyderabad: On Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Mitti Café at Rashtrapati Nilayam, a unique café run by persons with disabilities. During her visit, she also reviewed preparations for the upcoming Udyan Utsav, which will take place from December 29 on the premises.
Mitti Café, a creation of the MITTI Social Initiatives Foundation, has over 50 outlets across India, including prestigious locations like the Supreme Court, Rashtrapati Bhavan, IIM Bangalore, and Mumbai Airport. The new outlet at Rashtrapati Nilayam in Bolarum will be managed by a team of 15-20 persons with disabilities.
Swati Dokania, Director and COO of Mitti Café, highlighted the initiative’s purpose of fostering an inclusive society. The non-profit organisation provides sustainable job opportunities for persons with disabilities and raises awareness about disability through its cafés, community meals, and skill development programs. So far, Mitti Café has created over 6,500 livelihoods and served six million “Karuna Meals” to vulnerable communities. “This is more than just a café; it is a global movement promoting dignity, empowerment, and inclusion,” she said.
The team at Mitti Café has trained the individuals managing the new outlet, equipping them with the skills needed to run the café effectively. This initiative not only supports employment but also demonstrates the value of inclusivity in society.
In addition to the café inauguration, a souvenir shop was opened at the Visitor Facilitation Centre of Rashtrapati Nilayam. President Murmu also took the opportunity to review arrangements for the Udyan Utsav, which is being organised in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
The Udyan Utsav, a 15-day event starting on December 29, aims to celebrate nature and promote environmental sustainability. The event will feature workshops and thematic stalls showcasing innovations and technological advancements in agriculture and horticulture. It also encourages public participation in conservation efforts.
During her visit, President Murmu explored the compost unit on campus to observe the compost-making process. She expressed hope that the unit would serve as a model for producing organic manure from garden waste, promoting eco-friendly practices.
