Alina Alam started MITTI CAFE at the age of 23, with the dream of showing the world the magic of abilities. MITTI CAFEs work towards economic independence and dignity for persons with disabilities. The organization’s outreach initiative helps create awareness about inclusion and disability rights.
Alina is a 4 time TEDx speaker and has been featured in the Forbes list of 30 under 30 Asia.
In 2024, Alina received the National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities from the President of India. She is also a Commonwealth Youth Awardee and has received the Niti Ayog-Women Transforming India Award, Helen Keller Award, and United Nations Intercultural Innovation Award.
Also, she has received Future Female Icon Awards from CNBC, Times of India-She Unlimited Award, Rotary Exemplar Award, and Tiecon Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award, amongst the others.
Alina’s journey with Mitti Café began with a dream to showcase the abilities of individuals with disabilities and a belief in equal opportunities for all. At 23, with no startup capital and facing countless rejections, she relied on community support to bring her vision to life. From donated equipment to a simple table under an umbrella, her initiative grew into the world’s largest chain of cafés run entirely by persons with disabilities.
Today, Mitti Café operates in nearly 50 locations across India, including prestigious sites like the Supreme Court, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and major airports. Leaders such as Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, President Droupadi Murmu, and Infosys founder Narayana Murthy have lauded her efforts, with the Defence Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurating Mitti Cafés, sending a powerful message of inclusion. In 2024, Alina received the National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities from the President of India. She has also been listed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and has received national and international recognition from the United Nations, Commonwealth, NITI Aayog, UNESCO, Rotary, and TieCon for her impactful work.
Under her leadership, Mitti Café has created over 6,000 livelihoods, served 11 million meals, and provided 6 million “Karuna Meals” to vulnerable communities. For Alina, Mitti Café is not just a café—it’s a global movement for dignity, empowerment, and inclusion, aiming to transform a billion lives.
