Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 6: The Young Indians (Yi) Mangalore chapter will launch Braille Menu Initiative at Nosh, Mangaluru, marking a significant step in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the hospitality industry. The event will feature Mohammed Ashiq, MasterChef India season 8 winner, as the special guest, lending his support to this impactful cause.
The Yi Mangalore chapter has been in conversation with the hospitality industry body to expand the reach of the Braille Menu Initiative. This collaboration is expected to encourage more restaurants in Mangaluru to adopt Braille Menus and other accessibility measures, setting a benchmark for inclusivity in the hospitality sector.
The students and faculty of Roman Catherine Lobo Institute for visually impaired who have graced the occasion with their presence and launching the Braille Menu themselves at Nosh restaurant in Mangaluru.
YI Mangaluru chair, M Athmika Amin, has been instrumental in reaching out to stakeholders and aligning the initiative with community needs. Similarly, CA Salome Lobo Pereira, co-chair of Yi Mangalore, has played a key role in ensuring the initiative’s smooth execution and fostering partnerships for its success. The initiative has received unwavering support from Yi Mangalore’s leadership and members
This initiative is part of Yi Mangalore’s Accessibility Vertical, which has been consistently working towards creating a more inclusive society. The Accessibility Vertical focuses on projects such as the creation of Braille menus, the construction of ramps, and organizing disability etiquette sessions in schools and colleges. These efforts aim to empower differently abled individuals and create environments where they feel valued and respected.
The Vertical has also championed the donation of wheelchairs to individuals in need, further showcasing their commitment to accessibility.
The Young Indians (Yi) network has an extensive history of impactful work in the accessibility space across the country. Some of its notable achievements include:
Conducting 300+ accessibility activities and projects in partnership with NGOs and local communities.
Organizing 10+ job fairs across India, resulting in 100+ job offers to individuals with disabilities.
Launching Braille menus in restaurants nationwide, with major partnerships such as:
Restaurants at Bengaluru International Airport.
Radisson Hotels India, which have rolled out Braille menus across their properties in India.
Conducting 100+ disability etiquette sessions for members, college students, and Yi YUVA participants to raise awareness and foster understanding.
Completing 100 accessibility audits to evaluate and report on the inclusivity of public spaces, offices, and banks.
Facilitating the donation of 50 artificial limbs to people in need through member companies and sponsors.
Looking ahead Yi Mangalore’s leadership team envisions this launch as a starting point for broader adoption of Braille menus and other accessibility measures across the city. The chapter plans to engage more restaurants, hospitality groups, and local businesses to integrate such solutions. This initiative aligns with Yi’s overarching goal of promoting inclusivity and creating a society where everyone has equal opportunities.
The launch of the Braille Menu Initiative is yet another testament to Yi Mangalore’s dedication to accessibility and inclusion. The event at Nosh is expected to set a benchmark for similar projects in the future, making Mangaluru a leader in inclusive practices.
Accessibility Vertical represented by Ashish Rai and his enthusiasm towards making a difference has brought in momentum towards creating awareness to a larger audience.
M Athmika Amin, CA Salome Lobo Pereira, Ashish Rai, Sharan Shetty and Shreepad, regional mentor - SRTKKA for accessibility were present.
About Yi Mangaluru chapter
Yi Mangaluru, led by chapter chair M Athmika Amin and co-chair CA Salome Lobo Pereira, engages youth to drive change in various sectors. Key stakeholders include:
Membership: Chaired by Ashrika Amin and Aditya Pai, ensuring a strong member base.
YUVA Thalir: Led by mentor Shohan Shetty, chair Durgadas Shetty, and co-chairs Gaana Bhat and Anushree Shetty, focusing on youth initiatives, including partnerships and policy discussions.
Rural initiative: Headed by Harsha Kamath, promoting rural development.
Masoom: Aimed at child sexual abuse awareness, led by Aditi Bansal and co-chair Abhinav Bansal.
Road safety: Spearheaded by Aajeeth Kumar, promoting road safety through the Chota Cop initiative.
Health and accessibility: Chaired by Eshwar Shetty, with co-chairs Hari Sudan and Dr Megha Gokul.
Climate change: Led by Sharon D’Souza and Rishab Raj Shetty, promoting sustainability.
Entrepreneurship and learning: Chaired by Arjun D’Souza, with co-chair CA Kedarnath Shenoy.
Innovation: Led by Madhukar Kudva and co-chair Adeeth Kalbavi, fostering knowledge-sharing sessions.
Branding: Overseen by chair Sharan Shetty, co-chairs Aditya Prabhu, Ashmitha Satish, and Shreshtha Bhandary, focusing on strategic media outreach.
Mentorship is provided by past leaders, including Ashith Hegde, Samiksha Shetty and charter chairperson Dikshith Rai.