In a society where people with disabilities often face invisible walls of prejudice and limited opportunities, Alina Alam is breaking barriers with a simple yet powerful idea, a café run by and for adults with disabilities. Through her visionary initiative, Mitti Café, Alina is not just serving coffee; she’s serving hope, dignity, and a bold new narrative about ability, inclusion, and social change. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated social entrepreneur is a testament to the transformative power of empathy, determination, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to shine.
A Childhood Shaped by Compassion
Alina’s inspiration started close to home. Growing up in Kolkata, she was raised by her grandmother, who lived with a disability. From an early age, Alina saw the challenges her grandmother faced, not just physical, but the social invisibility and lack of opportunity. These early experiences planted a seed of empathy and determination.
Later, during her college years, a documentary called Nero’s Guests struck a deep chord. It showed the harsh realities of marginalized communities often ignored by society. For Alina, it was a wake-up call: What could she do to change the world around her? The answer came in a simple, powerful idea, to create a café run by people with disabilities, where they could work with pride and show the world their abilities, not their limitations.
From Dream to Reality: The Birth of Mitti Café
Starting a café is tough, starting one with no capital, no experience, and a mission so bold felt almost impossible. But Alina’s passion was unstoppable. In 2017, Mitti Café opened its first small outlet in Hubballi, Karnataka. The name “Mitti,” meaning soil, reflects a beautiful philosophy: we all come from the same earth, and everyone deserves respect and opportunity.
The first employees were a small, determined group of adults with disabilities, each one bringing their unique story and talents. Kirti Kale, the café’s first staff member, is a wheelchair user who quickly became an inspiration to all. Together, they turned a humble café into a powerful symbol of inclusion.
More Than a Café: A Movement
What makes Mitti Café special isn’t just the coffee or the snacks; it’s the heart behind it. Every person who walks through its doors is treated with respect, and every employee is given training and support to thrive. The café is a space where differently-abled individuals learn skills, gain confidence, and become part of a community.
Over the years, Mitti Café has grown to more than 40 locations across India, from busy airports to corporate offices and even the Supreme Court premises. They’ve served over 11 million meals, but more importantly, they’ve changed countless lives.
Recognition That Fuels the Mission
Alina’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s been honored with prestigious awards like the Forbes Asia “30 Under 30,” the Commonwealth Youth Award, and the NITI Aayog Women Transforming India Award. But for her, the real reward is seeing her team shine and society’s mindset shift.
Looking Ahead: Building a More Inclusive Future
Alina’s journey is far from over. She dreams of expanding Mitti Café to smaller towns and even beyond India’s borders. She’s working on developing training programs and partnering with more organizations to create jobs and opportunities for disabled individuals everywhere.
Her vision is clear: a world where disability isn’t a barrier but a celebrated part of diversity. She believes that with the right support and attitude, everyone can contribute meaningfully.
Why Alina’s Story Matters
Alina Alam’s story is a reminder that change starts with a single courageous idea. It’s about seeing potential where others see limits, and about building bridges instead of walls. Through Mitti Café, she has shown that inclusion is not just a lofty ideal, it’s something practical, beautiful, and life-changing.
Next time you sip your coffee, think about the people behind the counter at Mitti Café, their smiles, their stories, their resilience. And remember, every cup serves more than just coffee; it serves hope, respect, and a brighter future.
“I believe that ability lies in everyone, it’s society’s perceptions that create barriers. Mitti Café is about breaking those barriers and giving people a platform to shine.”
