Bakery that goes beyond cakes and cookies

Srinivasa Prasad, a 24-year-old with Asperger’s Syndrome, had a dream – to own a bakery. After doing a baking and confectionery course, this young man wanted to bake blondies and tarts along with his friends. Sumithra, Srinivasa’s mother and the General Secretary of D.O.R.A.I Foundation, helped the cheerful young boy chase his dream, by setting up Sai Bakery.

Every day, Srinivasa, along with Shoma, Anand, Babu, Shameena and Aparna (all of whom are adults with special needs), kneads, moulds and bakes a variety of delectable desserts – from whole wheat and vegan tarts, blondies, brownies, muffins, cookies, cupcakes and even the healthy baked samosas.

While the daily baking happens around noon, the employees come early. Srinivasa added, “Every morning, we do prayers and yoga, where we do breathing exercises. We shun negative energy and bring in positivity. We do colouring and make ‘thank you’ cards out of cardboard and used plastic bottles.” Upcycling is a way of life at Sai Bakery. Sumithra said, “We make pizza boxes out of used cardboard and plastic bottles are turned into pots to grow plants. We have a small garden, where we grow papaya, chilli and herbs. Everybody enjoys gardening and during our annual sales, we also sell these saplings,” she explained.

A visit to the bakery revealed that they only use healthy ingredients. “We make eggless, whole wheat baked items and use only vegetable oil. We also make cheese wraps, pizza base and baked samosas,” said Srinivasa, while sliding a tray of cashew topped strawberry cupcakes into the pre-heated oven. “Some of the corporates place their orders with us,” he added. As the steaming hot cupcakes were taken out of the oven, 41-year-old Anand, who is hearing impaired and intellectually challenged, sang Marugo Marugo. Sumithra stressed on the need for such neighbourhood initiatives that engage with adults with special needs. “Most adults with special needs are dependent on their family. I think that each neighbourhood can take small steps to keep them engaged and give them a sense of worth in the society,” she concluded.

Sai Bakery is in Palavakkam can be contacted on 95000 59390.