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“Today, our hearts are heavy. We have lost our Roopa – a part of our Mitti family. When we think of her, we can only remember her light…”
And so begins a beautiful, powerful and deeply moving tribute to the passing of a largely unsung (though not by her employer) but true heroine of the travel retail community.
Her name is Roopa, a long-standing employee of Mitti Café, the wondrous social enterprise founded by young Indian entrepreneur Alina Alam. The organisation is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities by providing them with opportunities for economic independence and dignity.
Mitti creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities by training and hiring them in its cafés across airports and other renowned public and private institutions. The first Mitti Café was opened at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, a breakthrough that has led to numerous other airport locations.
Mitti Café – which proudly proclaims ‘The Magic of Abilities’ – serves not only delicious hot Chai and numerous other tasty delights but also a vital lesson in humanity
Back to Roopa. To a story of love. And now of immense loss. The words above and below, sent to me by Mitti Social Initiatives Foundation Director and COO Swati Dokania on behalf of Team Mitti, tell this poignant tale far better than I ever could.
Through her work at Mitti, Bhairappa met Roopa, who, like her, has dwarfism and fell in love at Mitti Cafe. Bhairappa has been working with Mitti for many years now. He was, in fact, one of our earliest recruits.
His roots are from a small village called N Jarakunti near Hubli, district Gulbarga. Even after multiple attempts to find a job, Bhairappa could never find one. One day he landed barefoot for an interview at our first outlet in Hubli.
He did not even know how to brush his teeth, let alone the importance of the same. He was hired and started learning the work at the café. He also trained efficiently on his soft skills and learned many life lessons.
Roopa’s bridal dress we all bought together – and how she looked like a doll that day. The happiest and the most beautiful bride we had set our eyes upon.
Her mehndi* at the café, the laughter, the dancing, and all of us becoming her baraatis.**
We remember telling Bhairappa at their wedding that Roopa may be married to him, but she would always be ours too. That he must always keep our Roopa happy , which he was confident he would as he said ‘Roopa happy, I happy’.
Roopa and Bhairappa’s love story was one of the purest we have ever witnessed. Two people who found strength, dignity and joy in each other. Two hearts that showed all of us that love has no barriers, no labels, no limits. Some stories are meant to be forever – and theirs is one that will make the world believe in the power of love.
Roopa’s smile, her care, her innocence, her warmth… and the love she shared with Bhairappa will stay with us forever.
People may feel some stories end here – but their story does not. It becomes immortal. A story we will carry forward. A story that will continue to inspire.
Please keep Bhairappa in your prayers. He has lost the love of his life, and we, as his family, will stand by him through every moment.
May Roopa’s soul rest in peace. Her presence will live in our hearts and in everything she gave to this family. – Team Mitti
I join Team Mitti in their sorrow for Roopa’s loss and their support of Bhairappa in his grief.
* Mehndi (henna) is a paste associated with positive spirits and good luck. Indian wedding tradition calls for a Mehndi ceremony to be held the night before the wedding to wish the bride good health and prosperity.
** Members of the groom’s family and friends who participate in the baraat, the wedding procession in Indian culture. This celebration symbolises the groom’s journey to his wedding.