NAB launches café run entirely by visually impaired youth
In a major push toward inclusive employment, the National Association for the Blind (NAB) has launched Café Beyond Eyes in R.K. Puram, New Delhi – a café run entirely by visually impaired youth.
The initiative aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities while challenging conventional perceptions about disability and employment. Building on this effort, NAB, in partnership with the Tatsat Foundation, also announced a food cart programme designed to generate jobs for 500 visually impaired individuals over the next five years.
Renowned chef Ashwani Kumar Singh is spearheading the culinary training for participants. The programme focuses on sensory-based cooking techniques, emphasising touch, aroma, sound, and taste over visual cues. Trainees are also introduced to the concept of Tasir, a traditional approach that considers the heating and cooling properties of ingredients to create balanced meals.
At the launch event, Chef Singh conducted a live masterclass, demonstrating how professional cooking can be mastered without reliance on sight. “Cooking is driven by passion, discipline, and sensory understanding,” he said. “These young chefs are defined not by limitations but by their ability to adapt and excel.”
More than just a café, the space functions as a training and empowerment hub. Participants receive structured instruction in food preparation, kitchen operations, and customer service, preparing them for careers in the food and hospitality sector.
Prashant Verma, General Secretary of NAB, said the initiative reflects a shift from sympathy-driven approaches to opportunity-based inclusion. “With the right training and environment, visually impaired individuals can perform with excellence and confidence,” he noted.
Dr Sumi Gupta, Director of Tatsat Foundation, highlighted the importance of combining education with hands-on experience to promote financial independence.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Chaturvedi, Founder and Managing Director of Shubham Housing Development Finance Company, expressed support for the initiative, calling it a step toward a more inclusive and sustainable society.
The launch event saw strong participation from community members and stakeholders, many of whom experienced the café’s operations firsthand. The atmosphere underscored a broader vision of inclusion-one that prioritises dignity, self-reliance, and equal opportunity.
With Café Beyond Eyes now operational and the food cart initiative in the pipeline, NAB and Tatsat Foundation aim to expand similar models across India, creating new pathways for skill development and social integration.
The initiative stands as a testament to the idea that true vision lies not in sight, but in determination and the courage to build an independent future.
