In most Indian households, the naming of a kid, particularly a daughter, follows a silent script. The daddy’s first identify turns into the center identify, and ultimately, a husband’s identify would possibly take its place. It’s an inherited custom so deeply embedded that few ever pause to query it. However Anupam Mittal, founding father of Individuals Group and Shaadi.com, did precisely that and rewrote the script for his daughter.
Highlighting the custom, Mittal shared a private observe on LinkedIn about naming his daughter. “In a world the place girls are nonetheless launched as somebody’s daughter, somebody’s spouse, somebody’s mom…we simply wished her to start out as herself,” he wrote.
“When my daughter, Alyssa, was born, we wished to ‘resolve’ her center identify. Historically in most elements of India, that’s not the way it’s achieved. The daddy’s first identify robotically will get handed down. And in case it’s a lady, it later will get changed by her husband’s identify. It is a quiet custom. So quiet, in reality, that the majority don’t query it. However we did,” Mittal defined.
As a substitute of following conference, they selected to call her Alyssa Anantara. “‘Anantara’ – which implies limitless. Rooted in Ananta, one other identify for Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge,” he mentioned.
“It’s a small factor. A reputation. But in addition…not so small.
For us, it was a method of claiming
– You don’t have to hold ahead anybody’s legacy.
– You aren’t outlined by the boys in your life.
– You might be free to put in writing your individual story.”
Emphasising that this wasn’t a grand assertion, Mittal wrote, “However for us, it felt like the proper place to start. A quiet option to say – We consider in equality. In her, In her selections, In her future! And that felt sufficient.”
Mittal’s submit was hailed by many netizens.
“Dad and mom such as you set the gold commonplace for nurturing daughters—not by imposing societal expectations, however by empowering them to forge their very own paths. It is actually inspiring to see a father who encourages his youngster to develop authentically, embracing her distinctive journey reasonably than conforming to exterior pressures. Your strategy exemplifies the right mix of professionalism and heartfelt parenting. Thanks for sharing this stunning perspective,” wrote a consumer.
One other commented, “That’s a fantastic perspective Anupam Mittal In India, we nonetheless writes center identify in all places and it’s begins with education. Then the legacy go on endlessly and all of the identities are linked to this initials. Indian structure doesn’t make it obligatory so as to add father’s identify solely. It’s an age-old system that’s required a change and can take generations. However a great begin by you. Love this feat of yours.”
“What a heartfelt and significant alternative. It is inspiring to see traditions being redefined with such intentionality and function,” wrote a 3rd.
