President Droupadi Murmu celebrated her 66th birthday on June 22, with a poignant gesture towards inclusivity by inaugurating the MITTI Café nestled within the hallowed grounds of Rashtrapati Bhavan. This event highlighted her commitment to promoting sustainable livelihoods and underscored her advocacy for persons with disabilities across India.
The MITTI Café, a non-profit organisation, has garnered acclaim for its mission to empower individuals with disabilities through employment and skill development initiatives. Situated within the President’s Estate, the café serves as a beacon of inclusivity and awareness about disability rights through its operations, community meals, and skill enhancement programs.
President Murmu’s day began with a visit to the Bhagwan Jagannath temple in Delhi, where she offered prayers for the welfare of all citizens. Subsequently, she inaugurated the MITTI Café, a significant step towards fostering an inclusive environment. The President, known for her advocacy for marginalized communities, spent quality time interacting with the café staff, who were delighted to meet and extend birthday wishes to her.
A statement from the President’s office captured the essence of the occasion: “Taking another step towards creating an inclusive environment, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated MITTI Café in the President’s Estate today. The President spent time in the cafe and celebrated her Birthday with the staff who were excited to meet and wish the President.”
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed their warm birthday wishes to President Murmu, acknowledging her exemplary leadership and dedication to the nation. Vice President Dhankhar, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, personally visited Rashtrapati Bhavan to extend their greetings.
In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi hailed President Murmu’s service and vision, stating, “Warm birthday wishes to Rashtrapati Ji. Her exemplary service and dedication to our nation inspire us all. Her wisdom and emphasis on serving the poor and marginalized are a strong guiding force.”
President Murmu’s commitment to disability rights and empowerment was further underscored during her visit to the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities. Here, she interacted warmly with staff members, divyang children, and their parents, praising the institute’s efforts in socio-economic empowerment. She emphasized the importance of dedication and determination in overcoming challenges, highlighting the potential within every individual.
MITTI Café has received numerous accolades for its transformative work, including the Niti Ayog- Women Transforming India Award and the United Nations Intercultural Innovation Award. With over 40 locations nationwide, including esteemed venues like the Supreme Court of India and various airports, MITTI Café exemplifies the potential of persons with disabilities to contribute to society. The cafes provide employment opportunities and serve as platforms for skill development and community engagement, showcasing vibrant decor crafted by their team members with disabilities.
As MITTI embarks on an unprecedented step in the inclusion journey, millions of persons with disabilities will be filled with purpose as the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurates MITTI cafe at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the President’s Estates.
MITTI’s team members with disabilities are their change-makers. They have cooked, packed, and served over 6 million Karuna Meals (compassion meals) to economically vulnerable communities. This initiative has not only provided sustenance to those in need but also shattered the misconception that persons with disabilities cannot help others. From urban centres to the remote Sunderbans, this program demonstrates that given the right opportunities, persons with disabilities can uplift themselves and serve the nation in its time of need.
MITTI Café is a movement towards an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute. By supporting MITTI Café, the community is not just enjoying a meal; they are becoming part of a powerful wave of change, helping to build a world where dignity and self-reliance are accessible to all.
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