At just 27 years old, engineer Nishtha Chauhan made a bold decision — to walk away from a promising career in aerospace and build something that truly resonated with her values. What began as a simple idea — to eat responsibly and live consciously — has today become Aarambh, Ahmedabad’s first zero-waste millet café that’s turning heads and hearts toward mindful living.
From Sky to Soil: The Beginning of Aarambh
For Nishtha, the transition from aircraft to agriculture was not as strange as it sounds. “I wanted to build something that grounded me — something that made a tangible difference to the planet,” she says. Her passion for sustainability and health led her to explore traditional Indian grains, especially millets, known for their nutrition and low environmental footprint.
And that’s how Aarambh — which means “beginning” — took flight.
Where Every Meal Tells a Story
Walk into Aarambh, and you’ll find more than just delicious food. You’ll find a movement. The café’s menu is a celebration of innovation and tradition — ragi dosas, millet momos, and vada pav served in ragi buns — all crafted to nourish the body and respect the planet.
But what truly sets Aarambh apart is its zero-waste philosophy. There’s no single-use plastic anywhere on the premises. The café runs on eco-cooling, practices composting, and sources ingredients locally to minimize its carbon footprint.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Since its inception, Aarambh has achieved what few cafés can claim — it cuts 47 tonnes of waste every year. But for Nishtha, the impact goes beyond numbers.
“We’re not just serving food; we’re serving awareness,” she says. Aarambh regularly hosts workshops for school kids and college students, teaching them about sustainable eating, composting, and mindful consumption. It’s a ripple effect that’s slowly shaping a more responsible generation.
The Business of Purpose
What began as a personal experiment has grown into a thriving business. Today, Aarambh earns around ₹12 lakh per month, proving that profit and purpose can coexist. Nishtha attributes this success to her team and her belief in doing good business — literally.
“Our customers don’t just come for food,” she smiles. “They come to feel good about their choices.”
A Message for Dreamers
Nishtha’s journey is a reminder that courage doesn’t always mean taking giant leaps — sometimes, it means choosing a different direction. She stepped away from a stable career to create something rooted in passion, purpose, and perseverance.
Her advice to young dreamers?
“Don’t be afraid to begin again. Every ‘aarambh’ — every new start — carries the power to transform not just your life, but the world around you.”
This Friday, let Nishtha’s story remind you: your dreams don’t have to follow the conventional path. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is start over — with purpose, with heart, and with hope.
Here’s to new beginnings, mindful living, and the courage to create change — one millet meal at a time.
Source: Better India
