On National Youth Day, the inspiring journey of young people running ‘The Silent Bistro’ in Dehradun highlights how determination can overcome limitations. Located in the Sahastradhara area, the café is operated largely by hearing and speech-impaired youth who communicate through sign language and gestures.
The café began operations in September 2025 and currently employs 10 staff members, out of whom seven are hearing and speech impaired. According to translator Tanishka, the team includes youth from Nepal, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. While the food served may appear simple, every dish reflects the struggle, hard work and confidence of those preparing and serving it.
Employees at the café believe that wider acceptance of sign language in India can make daily life easier for people like them. Staff member Samreen says foreign customers often understand sign language, making communication smooth, while in India limited awareness sometimes creates a sense of isolation. She feels that making sign language a part of regular communication would help hearing-impaired people feel more included in society.
Twenty-three-year-old Samreen from Dehradun dreams of travelling the world and working in different countries. After completing her studies from Bajaj Institute, she interned at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai and later worked at private restaurants in Dehradun. Communication challenges forced her to quit, but she did not give up and joined The Silent Bistro three months ago. She says the café gives her happiness and confidence, especially when customers make an effort to communicate.
Assistant manager Gaurishankar from Tehri Garhwal, who joined the café last month, says the concept motivates him daily and makes his own struggles feel smaller. He adds that working here provides constant inspiration.
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The café also has a unique story of two sisters, Ayushi and Tanishka, from Pauri Garhwal. Ayushi, who is hearing and speech impaired, developed an interest in computers and studied at Bajaj Institute from a young age. After working briefly in Chandigarh, she returned to Dehradun and joined The Silent Bistro to restart her journey. Tanishka acts as the communication bridge between Ayushi, other staff and customers. She says working with such determined youth has been a meaningful experience and believes their stories can inspire many others.
