5 exemplary cafes that pave the way for an inclusive India

Inclusivity is a topic that many of us are still exploring. While the moral conducts and demands for equality, be it in terms of opportunity or treatment, the age-old biases and stereotypes instilled in us can be the undeserving winner in a battle between morals and action. But every once in a while comes along a noble being who will figure out a way to do just the right thing, not out of greed but owing to their altruism. Such is the story of these 5 ventures. With progressive times, comes an eagerly awaited progressive change. And even though good things take time, I couldn't be happier than to live in a time to witness these changes. From breaking the myths surrounding HIV to providing opportunities for people with physical and intellectual disabilities, these five cafes wage war against immorality, armed only with humility and compassion. What a time to be alive, right?

Take a look at how these cafes serve food, with a wholesome side of diversity, solicitude and a unique experience.

Café Positive, Kolkata
Café Positive is a project that belongs to OFFER (Organisation For Friends, Energies and Resources) an organisation dedicated to help and uplift the underprivileged children of Kolkata. They aim to raise awareness regarding HIV and to bust the myths that surround the illness, all over a liberating cup of coffee. Go here for a scrumptious American or English breakfast or just to get your daily dose of caffeine. But make sure to add this gem to your list to support their cause.
Where: 64A, Lake View Rd, lake Terrace, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029

Bambai Nazariya, Mumbai
While the LGBTQ community still strives for equal rights and opportunity in this country, this café is a ray of hope in the right direction. Bambai Nazariya, located in Versova, Andheri, is entirely run by the transgender community, right from the entrance where you are greeted with big smiles and warm hearts to being served. This homely café is popular for their pink chai, a concoction made with Kashmiri tea leaves and whole spices, apart from many other snacking items like puffs and a variety of viennoiseries. An added plus point? They are pet-friendly too!
Where: Shop no 3, Mayfair Apartments, Lokhandwala Circle, behind Sab T V - Kalinga Lane, Shastri Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053

Nukkad-The Teafe, Raipur
Visiting Nukkad-The Teafe is an experience unlike any other. The staff hired here to run the day-to-day business are speech and hearing impaired personnel. Visiting here means you'll be conversing via sign language right from greetings to requesting a bill. While this does make the whole experience quite unique, they also conduct poetry sessions for the frequenting crowd, a mini library from where you can borrow books and create a space where people can get together and live vicariously through the stories of a stranger. Like I said, this isn't your typical café.
Where: Shri Ram Complex, GB 8, Samta Colony Main Rd, Opposite Bank of Baroda, Samta Colony, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492001

Sheroes Hangout, Delhi
Sheroes Hangout is a Chhanv Foundation initiative, a NGO dedicated to help and support acid attack victims. Present in Agra, Lucknow and Noida, the staff at this cafe comprises individuals who've been victims of such a heinous act, in order to give them opportunity and the independence that comes as a result. Essentially a model coffee house and a noteworthy rehabilitation project, be sure to head over for your freshly brewed cuppa joe and of course to support their cause and raise awareness against acid attacks.|
Where: Present in Agra, Noida and Lucknow

Mitti Café, Karnataka
What started with one café each in Hubli and Bengaluru, Alina Alam's Mitti is now a chain of cafes that hires individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. With every beverage or meal that they sell they create awareness regarding disability inclusion. Inspired by a documentary—P Sainath's Nero's Guest—she took her first step to help such individuals find a place for themselves in the world through opportunity, freedom and financial empowerment.
Where: Multiple Outlets

These may just be 5 cafes listed out here, but there are a number of people who help the socially outcasted by means of employment, counselling and support. It's just a matter of time before their altruism and humility receive the recognition and applause they deserve.