Kolkata, September 15, 2025 – It was a night of sparkle and substance as the city’s leading socialites, politicians, entrepreneurs, veterans from film industry and changemakers gathered at the iconic address, 8 Ho Chi Minh Sarani to celebrate the grand opening of Syona Experience, Kolkata’s first woman-owned, women run, women-operated café dedicated to wellness, mental health, and sustainability.
The star-studded evening was graced by Chief Guest Priyadarshini Hakim, General Secretary of the All India Trinamool Mahila Congress, who lauded the café’s mission of empowering women from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and survivors of abuse.
“Syona Experience is more than a café—it is a milestone in entrepreneurship and social healing.” Hakim said during her inaugural address. “Keeping mental well-being as an objective, Syona is showing how business can truly uplift society when it places dignity and opportunity at its core.”
The Event had guests of honour, Imran Zaki, eminent social worker and educationist, who appreciated Arumita’s enterprising nature and the unique concept of the café. Attended by Pawan Kumar Patodia, President, Special Olympics Bharat West Bengal, who really loved this social angle of this venture where Syona Experience made sure female survivors of abuse get a job. Rajendra Prasad, famous Entrepreneur & Social Worker also shared how such a café at the prominent location of Kolkata makes Syona Experience a hub for private events and Sanjana Bhajanka, author of Parenting Unplugged, which takes a humorous yet heartfelt look at the chaos and joy of raising children says, “A wellness café in Kolkata can spark real change by inspiring healthier lifestyle choices, promoting mindfulness, and serving as a community hub where people come together to connect, recharge, and grow.”
A Night of Glamour and Purpose
Kolkata’s top cultural figures and well-known socialites filled the warm, art-filled interiors, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts sophisticated and heartfelt. Among the guests were celebrated artists, leading entrepreneurs, wellness advocates, and philanthropists who came together to support this first-of-its-kind initiative.
Guests praised Syona’s unique blend of conscious hospitality and social impact:
“Syona proves that luxury and responsibility can coexist beautifully,” said designer Lopamudra Mandal Malhotra, Kolkata’s top socialite and entrepreneur calling the café “a fabulous concept that uphold women empowerment in its true form.”
Present at the event veteran Indian actor, thespian and author Avijit Dutt, who loved the ambience of the space, ideal for close door events, who graced the event with his wife loved the cosy vibe of the place.
Countrywide famous social entrepreneur and TEDx speaker, Arumita Mitra, the mastermind behind & Founder, Syona Experience, welcomed guests with characteristic grace and attended to everyone with a smile says
“Our mission with Syona is simple yet powerful. I am creating a space that nourishes both body and mind — where customers enjoy good food. Syona is for people of tomorrow & we are giving jobs to women from vulnerable backgrounds to rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.” Added Arumita Mitra who has received multiple awards nationally including Bharat Gaurav Ratna Sri Samman & Outlook Business 30 under 30 industry expert, and recently got awarded as “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” by Asian African Chamber of Commerce.
Café With a Mission: Syona Experience stands apart with its all-women team, most of whom are survivors of abuse or come from underprivileged backgrounds. The café provides trauma-informed training, steady employment, and mentorship, making each cup of coffee a symbol of empowerment. Eco-friendly practices and a menu rooted in wellness underscore its commitment to sustainability.
As the evening wound down, live house music by Rwikraj, who loved the upper deck of the café which has a complete different vibe, played at the café while guests sampled Syona’s signature beverages and artisanal bites, offering a glimpse of what regular patrons can expect.
“Syona is very close to my heart. I wanted to build a place where people could pause, breathe, and feel heard — a space that blends food, art, community, and mental well-being with the calmness I believe every life deserves,” said Ritesh Choudhary, Founder of Syona Experience.
A Milestone for Kolkata
With the grand launch of Syona Experience, Arumita Mitra has set a precedent for purpose-driven hospitality in India. The gathering of Kolkata’s most influential personalities underscored the city’s readiness to embrace enterprises that marry style with social conscience. The night ended with a standing ovation for Mitra and her team—an unmistakable sign that Syona Experience is poised to become not just a café, but a cultural landmark where every sip celebrates strength, sustainability, and second chances.
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