Have you ever imagined dining inside a police commissionerate? In Uttar Pradesh’s Noida, this unique experience is now a reality, and the food is nothing short of delightful. The Uttar Pradesh Police Department has launched an innovative initiative to foster better connections with the community. Recently, they introduced Cafe Rista, a charming pastel-colored café located within the Police Commissionerate of Noida in Sector 108.
Conceptualized by IPS officers Laxmi Singh and Babloo Kumar, Cafe Rista aims to strengthen the bond between police officers and civilians. The café offers a warm and inviting space with delicious and affordable meals, making it an ideal spot for casual gatherings.
The café’s location is particularly thoughtful. Positioned near the Commissionerate’s Family Dispute Resolution Clinic, it serves as a comforting retreat for those seeking counseling or mediation. With its quirky quotes and soothing ambiance, Cafe Rista provides a stark yet pleasant contrast to the often stressful nature of these services.
The story of Cafe Rista gained widespread attention on social media through a viral video featuring IPS officer Preeti Yadav. In the video, she explains the café’s purpose, highlighting the human aspect behind the uniform. “People often view police with apprehension,” Yadav notes, “forgetting we’re simply people in uniform. This café serves as a bridge, fostering connections between civilians and officers.”
“Ever dined inside a police commissionerate? We did at Cafe Rista in Noida, and it blew us away! Incredible taste, quality, and affordability – all managed by the Noida Police and open to everyone. We were fortunate to understand the purpose of the cafe directly from IPS Preeti Yadav, the visionary behind Cafe Rista, who graciously spoke about its inception and shared her favorite dishes!” This post was shared by @noidagram in collaboration with @preeti.yadav_ips.
“People often view police with apprehension,” Ms. Yadav explains, “forgetting we’re simply people in uniform. This cafe is a bridge, fostering a connection between civilians and officers.”
The video also underscores the café’s accessibility. Open to everyone, Cafe Rista offers a variety of tasty treats at affordable prices. This inclusivity plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers and creating a more approachable image of the police force.
“Merging Mochas and Mediation”
In a step towards a paradigm shift in community engagement, @noidapolice inaugurated “Cafe Rista,” nestled within the Commissionerate premises aimed at fostering closer ties between Police & the public.#RishtaWithPeople #CafeRista #UPPCares pic.twitter.com/BlvDLMKP2G
— UP POLICE (@Uppolice) April 27, 2024
Moreover, the initiative benefits police officers as well. Often reluctant to dine out due to their uniforms and busy schedules, officers can now enjoy a cozy café experience with their families right on their premises. This aligns with the department’s focus on welfare policing, prioritizing officer morale and mental health.
Cafe Rista stands as a testament to the Uttar Pradesh Police Department’s commitment to community engagement and officer well-being, proving that sometimes, the best way to connect is over a good meal.
