... of Inclusion, Empowerment & Triumph Over Adversity

What is the true measure of success? Is it personal achievement, or is it the capacity to elevate others? How do we redefine the boundaries of empowerment, and in doing so, question societal norms? These are profound questions we must all ponder. The answers, however, can be found in an extraordinary place, nestled in the heart of Mumbai, called Café Arpan. Spearheaded by Ashaita Mahajan, this café is not just a hub of gastronomical delights, but also an embodiment of empowerment for especially abled individuals.

The inception of Café Arpan traces back to a personal connection. Ashaita’s cousin, Aarti Nagarkar, lives with autism. It was Aarti's life experiences that inspired Ashaita and her aunt, Sushama Nagarkar, to establish the Yash Charitable Trust in 2014. The trust aimed to create a platform for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PwIDDs), offering them skill development opportunities and livelihoods. They initially launched Arpan Dabba Service, a venture wholly operated by PwIDDs. Its success paved the way for the unique and inclusive Café Arpan in 2018.

Café Arpan, located in Juhu, is a haven where every employee is valued for their unique abilities. Inspired by Puzzle Café in Manila, which offers a secure working environment for individuals with autism, Café Arpan curates’ roles for its employees, allowing them to thrive under the supervision of supportive staff members. Ashaita’s vision isn't fixated on profit; instead, her focus lies in providing her employees with a decent salary, and more importantly, an environment of acceptance and growth.

Ashaita, who quit her high-flying job in the culture sector in 2017, has embodied the virtues of acceptance, inclusion, and empowerment, the very pillars upon which her aunt founded the Yash Charitable Trust. Ashaita's conviction stemmed from her enduring bond with her cousin, Aarti. She saw firsthand the remarkable potential that people with autism and other developmental disorders possess, given the right channelization of their talents and strengths.

Café Arpan’s story is as much about embracing differences as it is about the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It's about Ashaita Mahajan's bold venture into uncharted territory, challenging societal norms, and weaving a narrative of success and empowerment.

But as we marvel at this incredible journey, it leaves us with a few thought-provoking questions. How do we perceive success? Are we doing enough to foster environments of inclusion and acceptance? And most crucially, isn’t it time that we started looking beyond perceived limitations to discover the extraordinary potential that lies within each one of us?

As we seek answers to these questions, let Café Arpan serve as a reminder that the path to true success lies in empowering others to dream big and strive for their dreams, irrespective of the obstacles they face.