How Empathy, Community, and Resilience Are Redefining Business Success
In the sixth edition of Tamara Perspectives, Shruti Shibulal, EVC of Tamara Leisure Experiences, speaks with Alina Alam, the inspiring founder of Mitti Café. Their conversation dives into the transformative power of inclusive hiring, resilience through challenges, and the role of businesses in creating meaningful social change.
From a Spark to a Movement
Alina’s journey into social entrepreneurship in India began with a profound realisation during her college years. A documentary made her question complacency in the face of injustice and led her to act.
Raised by her grandmother, who had a disability, Alina grew up seeing abilities rather than limitations. “The problem is not the person with disability,” she reflected, “the problem is society’s perception that stops us from seeing their magic.”
She chose food as the common denominator to connect people. With no startup capital and countless rejections, she founded Mitti Café at just 23, driven by the idea that cafés run by adults with disabilities could provide both livelihoods and awareness.
Raised by her grandmother, who had a disability, Alina grew up seeing abilities rather than limitations. “The problem is not the person with disability,” she reflected, “the problem is society’s perception that stops us from seeing their magic.”
She chose food as the common denominator to connect people. With no startup capital and countless rejections, she founded Mitti Café at just 23, driven by the idea that cafés run by adults with disabilities could provide both livelihoods and awareness.
“Development cannot exist unless it is inclusive.” – Alina
Dignity as the Core of Inclusion
From day one, Mitti Café’s purpose went beyond serving coffee. Every interaction, whether a cup of tea or a meal, became a chance to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusive workplaces.
Shruti drew parallels to hospitality: “Hotels have always existed, but it is the realignment of value systems that makes them transformative. Inclusion and sustainability should not be exceptions; they should be the norm.”
Both leaders agree that dignity is non-negotiable, and when individuals are respected as stakeholders rather than beneficiaries, the impact is profound.
Shruti drew parallels to hospitality: “Hotels have always existed, but it is the realignment of value systems that makes them transformative. Inclusion and sustainability should not be exceptions; they should be the norm.”
Both leaders agree that dignity is non-negotiable, and when individuals are respected as stakeholders rather than beneficiaries, the impact is profound.
Building Through Challenges
Starting with nothing but determination, Alina recalls being told she lacked passion by experienced judges at an incubation pitch. It was a crushing moment but also a turning point.
“The battles outside, no money, no networks, can be solved. It’s the inner battles that are hardest. You must listen to your heart.” – AlinaFrom a tin shed café in Hubli to one of the largest café chains in the world managed by adults with disabilities, Mitti Café’s growth has been powered by resilience, faith, and community support in entrepreneurship.
The Power of Community
One of the most striking aspects of Mitti’s journey is how communities rallied behind it. From donated furniture and equipment for the first café to nationwide fundraising during COVID, collective action became a cornerstone of survival and growth.
When the pandemic closed all cafés, employees refused to stay idle. “We don’t want money sitting at home. We want to work and earn with dignity,” they said. Out of this insistence came Karuna Meals, which has since distributed more than six million meals to vulnerable communities.
Shruti observed: “What’s beautiful about Indian society is that people really do come together. During COVID, we saw the best of communities, supporting, uplifting, and standing by each other.”
When the pandemic closed all cafés, employees refused to stay idle. “We don’t want money sitting at home. We want to work and earn with dignity,” they said. Out of this insistence came Karuna Meals, which has since distributed more than six million meals to vulnerable communities.
Shruti observed: “What’s beautiful about Indian society is that people really do come together. During COVID, we saw the best of communities, supporting, uplifting, and standing by each other.”
Stories That Redefine Possibilities
For Alina, success is measured not only in numbers but in stories:
- A woman who once crawled to her interview now manages a café team.
- A single mother rejected by countless employers became Mitti’s top salesperson, later starting her own shop employing others with disabilities.
- Bhairappa, once ostracised by his community, now leads operations at Bangalore International Airport and even found love through the network of Mitti Cafés.
Preserving Culture While Scaling
As Mitti Café expanded, Alina’s challenge was to keep its culture of empathy and ownership alive. Her answer has been humility and vulnerability.
“Even if you have zero confidence, put in the effort, be humble, and have faith, you will still make it.” – AlinaShe believes culture, once established, is hard to change. By giving employees ownership and involving them in both good and bad times, Mitti has scaled without losing its soul.
From Social Work to Social Duty
To Alina, the idea of “social work” is misplaced.
Shruti echoes this, noting that true progress comes when we instil these values in the next generation, ensuring empathy and inclusion become second nature.
“If we just replace the word social work with social duty, the world will look different.” – AlinaPrivilege, she argues, comes with responsibility. Whether through employment, advocacy, or awareness, every effort contributes to a collective duty towards inclusion and sustainable business practices.
Shruti echoes this, noting that true progress comes when we instil these values in the next generation, ensuring empathy and inclusion become second nature.
Key Takeaways
- Inclusion is Non-Negotiable: True development must embrace dignity and opportunity for all.
- Community is Powerful: Collective action can sustain businesses through crises and fuel growth
- Stories Drive Change: Real human stories inspire, challenge perceptions, and create awareness
- Culture Sustains Scale: Empathy, vulnerability, and ownership ensure that growth does not dilute purpose.
- Social Duty, Not Social Work: Privilege carries responsibility; every individual can contribute to a more inclusive world.