Why We Need to Rethink Education: A Conversation with Chitwan Mittal
What if education wasn’t only about getting grades, cracking exams, and chasing rankings—but about becoming more grounded, more self-aware, and more connected to one’s roots?
In a world that’s increasingly focused on performance metrics and short-term outcomes, The AboutHer Show sat down with someone who’s gently but firmly challenging this norm. In this episode, Chitwan Mittal, Founder and Publisher at AdiDev Press, speaks about the urgent need to return to value-based, culturally rooted education—education that shapes the mind and the soul.
Her story is one of passion and purpose. Her words are a wake-up call for parents, educators, and women seeking to live meaningfully in the modern world.
About the Guest
Chitwan Mittal is the Founder and Publisher at AdiDev Press, an independent publishing house dedicated to creating beautifully illustrated children’s books rooted in Indian culture and values. Her transition from corporate outreach and education consulting to children’s publishing is not just a career pivot—it’s a reflection of her deep belief that education must be holistic, inclusive, and purpose-driven.
As a mother of two, she understands the importance of raising children with intention and care. Through AdiDev Press, she brings stories to life that speak to tradition, identity, and emotional intelligence, helping young readers see themselves reflected in what they read.
Highlights from the Episode
1. From Values to Vocation
Chitwan’s upbringing laid the foundation for the work she does today. She was raised in a home where Indian culture, stories, and values weren’t just symbolic—they were part of everyday life. “It was my parents who helped me see that education wasn’t just academic,” she shared. That seed eventually grew into a calling: to create educational tools that shape not just what children know, but who they become. Her books are thoughtfully crafted to blend learning with meaning, and imagination with moral inquiry.
Also Read: “I Could Do Anything Anybody Could Do”- Misha Grewal’s Story of Reinvention
2. Balancing Mission with Motherhood
Entrepreneurship isn’t easy. Doing it with two young children is even harder. Chitwan spoke candidly about the real challenges women face when trying to “do it all.” “There have been moments when I doubted myself, when it felt like too much,” she said. But she keeps returning to her “why.” Her sense of clarity and commitment to her purpose helps her balance the chaos with calm. “There is no perfect balance, only what works for you in that season,” she adds—a powerful reminder for any working mother.
3. The Role of Mentors and Setbacks
Behind every strong woman is often a group of mentors who believed in her. For Chitwan, mentors helped her see the bigger picture, reminded her of her strength in moments of doubt, and gave her the courage to dream big. She also spoke about setbacks—moments of personal and professional frustration that tested her resolve. Instead of avoiding them, she sees them as part of the growth process. “It’s not failure, it’s redirection,” she said with calm conviction.
4. Education as a Journey Inward
When asked what advice she would give young people, Chitwan didn’t talk about marks or achievements. Instead, she said:
“Own yourself. Know yourself. And control yourself.”
To her, education should equip us to understand and navigate the world—not just intellectually, but emotionally and ethically. “We’re so focused on the external—competition, visibility, achievement. But the real work is internal. If you can own who you are, understand what drives you, and have the emotional discipline to channel it—that’s when you begin to live with purpose.”
It’s advice that holds relevance far beyond school corridors. It’s a life skill.
5. The Power of Culturally Rooted Education
One of the most compelling parts of our conversation was Chitwan’s belief in the importance of culturally rooted learning. “We live in a fast-paced, globalized world, but that doesn’t mean we should lose our sense of self,” she said. Through AdiDev Press, she’s created books that celebrate Indian festivals, values, philosophies, and everyday family life—stories that reflect the world many Indian children live in but rarely see in books.
According to her, such education creates empathy, pride, and confidence. “Culture is not a constraint,” she said. “It’s a foundation.”
6. Financial Independence for Women
Chitwan also emphasized the importance of financial freedom. “It’s not just about money—it’s about choice,” she said. Her message to young women is clear: educate yourself, know your worth, and build something that belongs to you. Her journey as a woman entrepreneur is proof that it’s possible to merge purpose with independence, even while navigating family life and societal expectations.
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation was when Chitwan distilled her philosophy on education and personal growth into a single line:
“Own yourself. Know yourself. And control yourself.”
Also Read: Old Books, Hudson, NY – A Hidden Gem for Book Lovers
It’s more than advice—it’s a guiding principle. In a world that often pushes us to perform and conform, Chitwan’s words are a reminder to first turn inward, to understand who we are, and then to act from a place of clarity and strength.
Join the Conversation
If you’re a parent, educator, aspiring writer, or a woman at the crossroads of purpose and identity—this episode is for you. It’s a warm, insightful, and honest conversation about the things that matter: our roots, our roles, and our right to shape the future.
Listen now, share it with a friend, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
What values shaped your learning?
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About the Author: Sangeeta Relan
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I’m Sangeeta Relan—an educator, writer, podcaster, researcher, and the founder of AboutHer. With over 30 years of experience teaching at the university level, I’ve also journeyed through life as a corporate wife, a mother, and now, a storyteller.
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