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Shark Tank India’s Anupam Mittal Writes a Heartfelt Note On His Daughter
Updated on: 23 April, 2025 10:39 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Anupam Mittal With His Family
In many Indian households, naming a child, particularly a daughter, often follows a deeply ingrained, yet seldom discussed, tradition. The daughter commonly receives her father`s first name as her middle name, a name that is later replaced by her husband`s upon marriage. This convention is so commonplace that it often goes unquestioned. However, Anupam Mittal, the successful entrepreneur behind People Group and Shaadi.com, consciously chose a different path for his own daughter.
Mittal, also known for his role as an investor on Shark Tank India, shared his thoughtful decision in a moving LinkedIn post. He explained the reasoning behind his daughter Alyssa`s name, offering a glimpse into a personal choice that challenges societal norms.
Their aim was clear. “In a world where women are still introduced as someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s mother...we just wanted her to start as herself,” Mittal wrote, highlighting their desire for their daughter to have her own distinct identity from the very beginning.
Also Read: Ranveer Singh, Kartik Aaryan Would Make Great Sharks At Shark Tank India: OYO CEO Ritesh Agarwal
Mittal acknowledged the subtle power held within a name. “It’s a small thing. A name. But also…not so small. For us, it was a way of saying - You don’t have to carry forward anyone’s legacy. You are not defined by the men in your life. You are free to write your own story.”
This decision wasn`t intended as a loud declaration, Mittal emphasised. Rather, it was a personal expression of their values. “It was simply the right beginning for us. A quiet way of expressing our belief in equality—in her, in her autonomy, and in her future. And for us, that was powerful enough,” he concluded.
His heartfelt post resonated deeply online, sparking positive conversations. One user commented, “You’re setting an example for parenting daughters by giving them the freedom to be themselves... Your approach is inspiring and deeply moving.” Another added, “What you`ve done is a meaningful and necessary step toward change.” The sentiment was echoed by many who saw it as a "beautiful and empowering act." Mittal`s choice serves as a thoughtful example of redefining traditions to empower the next generation.
Also Read: Peak inside the luxurious lifestyle of Shark Tank Judge Ashneer Grover
Mittal, also known for his role as an investor on Shark Tank India, shared his thoughtful decision in a moving LinkedIn post. He explained the reasoning behind his daughter Alyssa`s name, offering a glimpse into a personal choice that challenges societal norms.
Breaking the Naming Pattern
Mittal recalled the moment his daughter was born and the deliberate choice he and his wife made regarding her middle name. They decided against automatically adopting the traditional practice. “In many Indian regions, the father’s name gets handed down automatically. And when it`s a daughter, her husband`s name eventually replaces it. It’s such a quiet pattern that most don’t even notice, let alone question. But we did,” he explained.Their aim was clear. “In a world where women are still introduced as someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s mother...we just wanted her to start as herself,” Mittal wrote, highlighting their desire for their daughter to have her own distinct identity from the very beginning.
Also Read: Ranveer Singh, Kartik Aaryan Would Make Great Sharks At Shark Tank India: OYO CEO Ritesh Agarwal
Alyssa Anantara: A Name Symbolizing Freedom
Instead of following convention, the couple chose a middle name imbued with meaning: Anantara. “Anantara means boundless. It draws from the word `Ananta`—another name for the goddess Saraswati, who represents knowledge and learning,” Mittal shared. This name was chosen to represent freedom, wisdom, and the vast potential they envisioned for their daughter.Mittal acknowledged the subtle power held within a name. “It’s a small thing. A name. But also…not so small. For us, it was a way of saying - You don’t have to carry forward anyone’s legacy. You are not defined by the men in your life. You are free to write your own story.”
This decision wasn`t intended as a loud declaration, Mittal emphasised. Rather, it was a personal expression of their values. “It was simply the right beginning for us. A quiet way of expressing our belief in equality—in her, in her autonomy, and in her future. And for us, that was powerful enough,” he concluded.
His heartfelt post resonated deeply online, sparking positive conversations. One user commented, “You’re setting an example for parenting daughters by giving them the freedom to be themselves... Your approach is inspiring and deeply moving.” Another added, “What you`ve done is a meaningful and necessary step toward change.” The sentiment was echoed by many who saw it as a "beautiful and empowering act." Mittal`s choice serves as a thoughtful example of redefining traditions to empower the next generation.
Also Read: Peak inside the luxurious lifestyle of Shark Tank Judge Ashneer Grover
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