In Japanese culture, there is a concept called ‘ikigai.’ Much like the language that often defies direct translation, ikigai doesn’t lend itself to easy explanations.
One interpretation (with gratitude to my mum for the endorsed definition) is that ikigai is finding joy in life through a blend of doing what you love, what you’re skilled at, what the world needs, and what can sustain you financially. It’s not imposed or artificial; it grows from your passions.
Even though I find myself far from Japan, a world far away from my second home, it is here in India that I’ve encountered countless inspiring stories of ikigai. Whether in the innovative start-ups of Bengaluru like Licious, or the heart-warming efforts of the Manav Sadhna NGO, which serves marginalised communities in Ahmedabad, the deep ikigai ethos seems to be interwoven into the fabric of Indian society. One especially impactful encounter with ikigai was through a woman named Alina and her café.
Mitti Café – Empowerment Through Resilience
Some social enterprises are hard to encapsulate in a brief blog. They are feelings, emerging from a small concept and growing into a mighty tree, extending their roots, offering refuge, yielding fruits, and standing strong amidst countless challenges. This is the essence of Mitti Café. Operating as a chain of inclusive cafés, Mitti is a non-profit enterprise entirely managed by a dedicated team of individuals with diverse disabilities – physical, intellectual, and psychiatric – all belonging to low-income communities.
These cafés have established themselves within prestigious institutions like Mumbai International Airport, the Indian Supreme Court, and Infosys, among others.
You can encounter distinctive accommodations like braille-printed menus, food orders written on notepads, and special lighting that signals staff when customers require assistance. Having served an impressive 11 million meals and drinks in recent years, these cafés offer more than mere sustenance; they have emerged as powerful catalysts for promoting awareness about the vital inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce.
The Birth of Mitti Café
During our first day in Mumbai we had the privilege of meeting Alina Alam, the CEO, and founder of Mitti Café. It’s rare to encounter someone who radiates kindness and spirit quite like her; she was a beacon of positivity.
Alina shared that the seeds of change were sown during her university days. Her transformation was sparked after watching ‘Nero’s Guests.’ This compelling documentary sheds light on the grave issue of farmer suicides in Vidarbha and left a lasting impression on her conscience. Witnessing the film’s portrayal of injustice led Alina to contemplate the consequences of remaining silent in the face of such tragedies. Her newfound awareness impelled her to deviate from the common path of university job placements, choosing instead to immerse herself in organisations dedicated to fostering inclusivity. It was a conscious decision to follow her convictions, and in doing so, she found her ikigai.
At the age of 27, during an NGO internship, Alina’s eyes were opened to the potential of people with disabilities. In an interview with The Logical Indian, Alina explained her desire to establish a social enterprise to help empower these marginalised communities. With no initial investment and facing rejection, Alina worked tirelessly to turn her dream into a reality. Her determination eventually paid off, giving birth to Mitti Café – an extraordinary café run by extraordinary individuals.
Alina also shared the remarkable story of the first employee to join Mitti Café, Keerthi. Born with a physical deformity, Keerthi had faced numerous job rejections due to her mobility limitations. Upon joining the café, Keerthi initially encountered difficulties in holding coffee cups and managing money. However, her journey has been transformative, as she now confidently takes orders, serves customers, and even supervises other hearing-impaired individuals, all while using a wheelchair.
Unity within Diversity
Mitti Café is more than a mere café; it embodies empowerment and inclusion. By offering individuals with disabilities meaningful employment opportunities, Mitti Café highlights how a social enterprise can genuinely empower people and positively contribute to society.
In the rich tapestry of Indian society, marked by variations in religions, languages, and ideologies, the café’s name underscores a fundamental truth. Despite individual differences, everyone originates from the same primal elements and eventually returns to them. In this context, the term “Mitti”- meaning “mud” in Hindi – represents a profound concept of unity within diversity.
As a sage saying goes, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Mitti Café personifies Alina’s ‘why’ and her ikigai, celebrating unity within diversity. Mitti Café exemplifies the profound importance of discovering one’s purpose and wholeheartedly living it to effect positive change – a truth that knows no cultural or geographic limitations.
