DBS Bank India has committed INR 10 crore to MITTI Café as part of a three-year partnership aimed at expanding employment and vocational training opportunities for persons with disabilities across India. The bank also announced the launch of a new MITTI Café at 1 MG Mall, Bengaluru, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot.
The partnership will support the establishment of nine cafés, creating employment opportunities for more than 100 persons with disabilities, providing vocational training to around 470 individuals and supporting nearly 300 people in accessing employment opportunities.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot said, “MITTI Café shows us that inclusion is not only a social responsibility; it can also be a successful and sustainable economic model. Give people an opportunity, and their abilities will find their own way forward.”
Gaurav Rajput, Head of Group Marketing & Communications, DBS Bank India, said, “Our partnership with MITTI Café reflects DBS Bank India’s commitment to creating impact beyond banking by supporting purpose-driven organisations that address societal needs. By expanding access to livelihoods for persons with disabilities, we aim to support greater economic participation and contribute to more inclusive communities. The inauguration of this café marks an important milestone and underscores the role of partnerships in driving sustainable social impact.”
Alina Alam, Founder & CEO, MITTI Café, said, “We are deeply honoured to have the Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka inaugurate MITTI Café at 1 MG Mall. This is a deeply meaningful moment for us because our journey began in Karnataka and today we are opening a café at one of Bengaluru’s most prominent locations. This café represents much more than employment; it represents dignity, independence and the power of opportunity. We are grateful to the Hon’ble Governor, DBS Bank, GiveIndia, 1 MG Mall and everyone who continues to believe in our vision of an inclusive India.”
MITTI Café, a not-for-profit organisation, creates livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and individuals from vulnerable communities. It operates cafés across public institutions, transport hubs and commercial locations, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Supreme Court of India, airports, universities, hospitals and corporate campuses.
The organisation has served more than 22 million meals and beverages and created over 6,500 livelihood opportunities. Its work also promotes disability inclusion and accessibility.
The new café at 1 MG Mall extends MITTI Café’s inclusive employment model to one of Bengaluru’s prominent retail destinations, enabling employees to build workplace skills, gain experience and participate in mainstream commercial operations.
