After Losing Her 8-YO Daughter, This Mother Began Teaching Girls What She Couldn’t Teach Her Child
The kitchen, once a place of joy and comfort, had become a space of silence. A mother’s grief had consumed her, taking away the pleasure of cooking and leaving her adrift. The tragedy of losing her eight-year-old daughter to meningitis seemed impossible to overcome. But in the midst of heartache, something small — yet profound — began to stir. This is the story of how Manju Mittal found healing, not just for herself, but for a community that would come to rely on her wisdom.
The journey towards healing began unexpectedly. On her son’s birthday, after months of silence, Manju entered the kitchen once again. Preparing a meal for her family awakened a part of her that had long been dormant. Her sister-in-law, recognising the deep skill and passion still within her, suggested that she consider teaching others. That small suggestion lit a new path for Manju.
Teaching to heal
Manju began with just one student, offering cooking lessons from her home. Slowly, one student turned into hundreds. Through these sessions, she realised that what she was offering wasn’t just about recipes — it was about rebuilding life, structure, and hope. Her classes became a source of connection and purpose, both for herself and the women who came to learn.
Her focus was clear: teaching smart techniques, time-saving skills, and the little hacks that make daily living easier. In sharing these lessons, she found her voice again — and with it, a renewed sense of direction.
Today, Manju’s reach extends far beyond her neighbourhood. Her videos, filled with practical kitchen hacks and home management tips, have touched millions. More importantly, she has personally trained over a thousand young women, sharing the same knowledge and care she once reserved for her daughter.
Manju has personally trained over a thousand young women.
Her initiative is more than just a cooking school; it is a nurturing space where young women gain not only skills but also confidence. Many of her students view her as more than a teacher — they see her as a mentor, a steady guiding force in their lives.
For Manju, losing her daughter became a reason to uplift thousands, keeping her child’s spirit alive through every young woman she now mentors.
Edited by Khushi Arora
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