On one of Kolkata’s most iconic addresses — 8 Ho Chi Minh Sarani — a new café is opening its doors. Named Syona Experience, it is not just a café, but a revolution in the making. At first glance, Syona feels like a mindful space— with its warm interiors, conscious-living philosophy, and curated events. But behind the counters is a story that sets it apart: it is Kolkata’s first women-run, women-operated café, and it is staffed primarily by survivors of abuse and members of LGBTIQ community.
The visionary behind it is Arumita Mitra, a social entrepreneur known for her relentless work in youth empowerment, gender advocacy, and community development. With Syona, Mitra is serving more than coffee — she is serving second chances.
“A job is not just income. It’s dignity, routine, and the chance to belong. At Syona, we want them to rebuild their lives on their own terms. Syona Experience is a movement, a futuristic place for the people of tomorrow who thinks one can party and enjoy leading a healthy lifestyle” – Arumita Mitra, founder, Syona Experience.
From Activism to Enterprise :
The space upholds mental well being, and have collaborated with World Mental Healthcare Association led by an ace mental health care worker Ritesh Chowdhury, who has taken this initiative to make this space accessible to all and have guided conversation and a resident psychologist in Café. Their unique concept of having a corner “Let’s Express” will have a resident psychologist in their café who will be there to have guided conversations and therapy if needed. This is one of a kind, a café creating a revolution in the space of mental well being.
For years, Mitra has been a familiar name in India’s social sector — her work has been recognised by Indian Government and foreign diplomats, working in villages, supporting underprivileged children, and spearheading mental health programs. Recognition followed, including international awards and the coveted Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Asian-African Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
But Mitra wanted more than accolades. “Awareness and advocacy are vital,” she explains, “but without economic independence, women remain vulnerable. With Syona, I wanted to merge business with empowerment. We rescue women and train them with life skills and further employ them to give them a life of dignity”
Inside Syona Experience
At Syona, coffee is only part of the story. Survivors are trained in culinary arts, hospitality, and management. They are providing counselling, mentorship, and flexible schedules to help ease their way into mainstream employment. The café doubles as a wellness and community hub, hosting art therapy sessions, mental health talks, and conscious networking events.
The goal? To make empowerment part of everyday life — one cappuccino, one conversation at a time.
Changing the F&B Landscape & ZERO waste policy
The food-and-beverage sector is rarely associated with social change. Mitra wants to change that. By embedding survivor employment into a profitable café model, Syona Experience challenges the industry to adopt trauma-informed hiring, inclusive HR practices, and purpose-driven branding.
“Hospitality is about people,” Mitra says. “If we can make people feel welcome as customers, why can’t we make employees feel safe, supported, and empowered?”
Industry watchers are already calling Syona a blueprint for social cafés in India.
Brewing a Movement
For Mitra, Syona is just the beginning. She dreams of seeing similar cafés across India, each one a safe space where survivors thrive and society shifts. As per their policy, everyday the food that is left over will be donated to Sudhamta Foundation India, who has a national campaign of FEED INDIA A MEAL, who donates food to street dwellers.
“Kolkata has always been a city of revolutions,” she reflects. “Why not start a revolution in business — one that puts healing at the heart of enterprise? We are building a community that resonates with mental and physical wellness and acts on it. Syona has started as a movement that will be carried on by the people of tomorrow around the country in few years.” Says visionary social entrepreneur and country wide famous Arumita Mitra, TEDX speaker and a rising name in the industry in mergers and acquisitions and business.
At Syona Experience, every sip of coffee carries that spirit. Strong, restorative, and transformative.
