In most Indian households, the name of a child, especially a girl, follows a silent script. The father’s first name becomes the second first name, and finally, the name of a husband could take his place. It is a hereditary tradition so deeply rooted that few people stop to question it. But Anupam Mittal, founder of People Group and Shaadi.com, did exactly that and rewritten his daughter’s script.
Stressing the tradition, Mittal shared a personal note on LinkedIn on the name of his daughter. “In a world where women are still presented as someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s mother … We just wanted her to start as herself,” he wrote.
“When my daughter, Alyssa, was born, we wanted to” decide “her second first name. Traditionally in most regions of India, this is not how it is done. The father’s first name is automatically transmitted.
Instead of following the Convention, they chose to appoint his Alyssa Anantara. “‘Anantara’-which means unlimited. Rooted in Anta, another name for Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom,” he said.
“It’s a little thing. A name. But also … not so small.
For us, it was a way of saying
– You don’t have to carry the inheritance of anyone.
– You are not defined by the men of your life.
– You are free to write your own story.
Stressing that it was not a big statement, Mittal wrote: “But for us, it was like the right place to start. A silent way of saying – we believe in equality. In her, in her choices, in her future! And it was enough. “
The Mittal position was praised by many Internet users.
“Parents like you establish the Order to feed girls – not by imposing societal expectations, but by allowing them to forge their own path. It is really inspiring to see a father who encourages his child to develop authentically, kissing his unique journey rather than complying with external pressures.
Another commented: “It’s a great perspective Anupam Mittal in India, we always write the second name everywhere and it starts with schooling. Then, the inheritance continues forever and all the identities are linked to these initials. The Indian Constitution will not make it compulsory to add the father’s name.
“What sincere and significant choice. It is inspiring to see the traditions redefined with such intentionality and such objective,” wrote a third.
