There are voices that look silently but boldly, influencing thinking, transforming communities, and leaving an influence for decades in a society when popularity is measured in decibels and numbers. They are the voices that don’t demand attention; rather, they are unavoidable as their contributions are more powerful than applause. They’re the educators who listen as well as teach, the authors who think critically in addition to writing, and the revolutionaries who act on their dreams.
Mrs. Kumud Verma is such a presence. She occupies space where writing and education intersect, where intention and desire intersect, and where individual dedication to system change intersects. Her trajectory is not about going viral or becoming an overnight sensation. It’s one of showing up every single day for 26 years, one book at a time, one child at a time, one life at a time. Over 100,000 people have read her ten books, of which one has been a national bestseller. She has influenced the academic life of over 10,500 students directly. From the very beginning, she has taught 125 foreign students from all over the world Hindi. But beyond those figures is something greater still: a vision that sees education not as the imparting of information but the sustenance of the soul, and literature not as diversion but the mirror and conscience of society.
The Making of a Changemaker
Mrs. Kumud was born on October 10, 1971, in Gurgaon, into an intellectually vibrant household. Her father, a respected scientist at DRDO, created an environment where inquiry flourished and innovation thrived. Growing up surrounded by disciplined thought and creative expression, she developed an early love for words and an intuitive emotional intelligence. From childhood, she channelled her observations and feelings into writing- a practice that would eventually become her life’s calling.
Mrs. Kumud pursued her Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Rao Lal Singh College of Education, Gurgaon, completing it in 1993. Her academic journey strengthened her resolve to contribute meaningfully to society through teaching and literature. Today, she resides in Ahmedabad, where those early values continue to fuel her expansive work across both fields.
When Loss Becomes Legacy
Her life story reads like a testament to resilience. Born into a family with four daughters, she was given up for adoption to her paternal grandparents, who also cared for her father. When she was in the 8th standard, her adoptive parents, her grandparents, passed away. The emotional void was profound. The social and emotional dislocation of losing parental support during her formative years could have broken her spirit. Instead, she transformed her grief into growth.
She inherited a piece of land from her grandparents. It was on this land that the seed of her lifelong mission took root. A school began taking shape, eventually known as Adlakha Public School. Starting with just 32 children in 1992, she walked door-to-door within a 500-meter radius, convincing families from poor communities to send their children to school. She was instilling awareness where there was none, creating hope where there was despair.
Along with her team, Mrs. Kumud transformed what began as a small institution with 60 students and five teachers into Adlakha Middle School. It was later recognized by the Board of School Education, Haryana. Starting with children only up to the 8th standard, she and her team ensured that students ready for the 10th grade could take their board exams by securing temporary recognition. Her approach was rooted in inclusive and compassionate education- children of domestic workers, labourers, and street vendors received free coaching and extra academic support. This wasn’t just a school; it became a sanctuary for the underprivileged.
The Writer Emerges
The first literary step of Mrs. Kumud Verma came during her maternity break when she wrote a training guide for teachers. Passionate about education, she personally took the manuscript to Arya Publishing House in Gurgaon. Mr. Navin Gupta and Bauji understood her vision and published it free of cost, distributing it to schools. Later, she convinced RR Sheth & Co. (Publishers) in Ahmedabad to publish her second book, marking the beginning of her formal authorship.
In 1999, after relocating to Ahmedabad, Mrs. Kumud had to entrust Adlakha School’s operations to others, but her educational journey continued with renewed vigour. In 2006, she joined Mahatma Gandhi International School, Ahmedabad, where she refined her ideas in real classrooms before sharing them with the world. Later, in 2012, she joined Anand Niketan School, where she took charge of teacher training programs every Saturday, helping build better educators across the institution.
A Literary Portfolio That Speaks
With over 10 published books, 10 translations, and 9 anthology contributions, Mrs. Kumud has created a distinct space in Indian literature, one that is intellectually enriching and emotionally resonant.
Her debut poetry collection Kriti (2002), explored themes of nature, compassion, and the environment. Self-published, it reflected her sensitivity toward the emotional and ecological fabric of society.
Kushal Adhyapak Kaise Bane (2006) became a landmark work. This practical guide for new teachers aimed to bridge the disconnect she observed between theory and classroom realities. With 26 chapters, it became a go-to manual for aspiring educators, pioneering work when few resources addressed the real challenges teachers face.
Its Gujarati version, Shretha Shikshak Kevi Rite Thavaya (2007), published by RR Sheth & Co., has sold more than 10,000 copies and is now in its ninth edition. The publisher declared it a bestseller.
Hum Toh Bacche Hain (2016, 2021, 2025) is a delightful poetry collection for children that helps inculcate love for language and learning through rhymes, alphabets, and creative expression.
Adhyapan Ka Indradhanush/Kelavinu Meghdhanush (2021/2023, 2025), available in Hindi and Gujarati, captures the essence of transformative teaching. Drawing from real classroom experiences, it aligns closely with the ideals of the New Education Policy, making it invaluable for educators and policymakers. Its forthcoming versions in English, Nepali, and Chinese expand its global relevance.
Shruti (2021, 2025), her second poetry collection, delves into deeper personal and societal themes, touching upon human values, emotional journeys, and contemporary reflections.
Bharat-Gaurav (2022, 2023), published in both Hindi and Gujarati, presents the life stories of eight extraordinary Indians. It’s a motivational document celebrating discipline, persistence, and moral integrity.
Dynamic DM (2022, 2023), a biographical work on IAS officer Dr. Hiralal, is available in three languages. It has sold over 30,000 copies and was declared a national bestseller by Dainik Jagran- a rare literary achievement in biographical writing.
Baccho Ko Safal Kaise Banaye (2023) offers a refreshing perspective on raising mindful, goal-oriented children in a world dominated by gadgets. This award-winning book has bagged five awards, with an English version forthcoming.
Andaman: An Amazing Attraction is a travel-oriented narrative in Hindi (soon in English) that vividly captures the cultural and geographical beauty of the Andaman Islands.
Her writing is guided by her strong belief that language should be accessible and engaging. Her unique ability to simplify complex ideas for broader audiences has made her writing widely popular, with even e-books reaching U.S. readers. Her longstanding association with the IIM-A publication Pratibimb further cements her position as a literary figure who is both prolific and purposeful. With six more books in the pipeline, she continues to shape minds and uplift spirits.
The Educator Who Walks Her Talk
As both an administrator and a teacher, Mrs. Kumud stands apart. While many in private schools struggle with inconsistency, she brings sincerity, discipline, and personal engagement to the classroom. Although proficient in science, she seamlessly adapts to various teaching roles based on students’ needs.
Through her 26 years of service and over 10,500 impacted students, Mrs. Kumud exemplifies what it means to be an educator. It involves not merely instructing minds but nurturing souls with empathy, perseverance, and a relentless desire to uplift society through knowledge.
She has made an extraordinary contribution to promoting Hindi, especially in non-Hindi speaking regions. Over the past 25 years, she has taught Hindi free of cost to more than 150 students from India, the U.S., and the U.K., many starting from the very basics. Her efforts in localizing international platforms like Proz.com into Hindi in 2006 have further strengthened Hindi’s global presence.
Beyond Pages and Classrooms
Mrs. Kumud holds several impactful roles in prominent organizations. She serves as President of Mahila Kavya Manch, Ahmedabad, fostering literary talent among women. At Govardhan Math, Puri, she served as National Head, where she led initiatives to resolve objections to inter-caste marriages through counselling and dialogue. Mrs. Kumud also actively offers guidance and counselling to teachers, parents, and students, helping bridge generational gaps and creating emotionally resilient educational environments across India.
Recognition That Reflects Impact
Her unwavering dedication has earned her numerous prestigious awards: Swar Bhaskar Award, Kamayani Kavya Shri Award, Sahitya Ratna, Saurabh Shri Samman, Konch Sahitya Gaurav Samman, Global Inspirational Women Award, Sahitya Bhushan, Hindi Gaurav, Inspiring Woman Visionary Award, Author of the Year, Sant Gyaneshwar Samman, Hindi Gaurav Alankran, Sarvshreshth Rachnakar, Sarvshreshth Shekshik Lekhak Samman, and Nari Shakti Bhasha Samman, among others.
These awards reflect a life devoted to empowerment, learning, and compassion, inspiring generations to lead with purpose and serve with sincerity.
The Ripple Effect
Mrs. Kumud’s impact extends far beyond individual achievements. She bridges literary gaps for the masses by writing with clarity, emotion, and purpose. By writing in Hindi and Gujarati and ensuring translations into English, Chinese, and Nepali, she expands her work’s geographical and cultural reach. She breaks down complex emotional and societal themes into accessible narratives, making literature a vehicle for introspection, learning, and moral education.
She has significantly contributed to economic upliftment by creating employment opportunities through her educational initiatives. Her school provided stable jobs to numerous teachers, administrative staff, and support workers, enabling financial independence for many families. By nurturing over 10,500 students, many of whom now hold reputable positions in various fields, she has helped uplift entire communities.
Her literary contributions have redefined teacher training in practical terms. Her books, especially Kushal Adhyapak Kaise Bane, have been widely adopted to develop the next generation of teachers. By filling the gap where accessible teacher guidance was lacking, she has improved classroom engagement, student outcomes, and teacher accountability, ultimately contributing to a stronger foundational education system.
A Life of Purpose
Mrs. Kumud’s life is a reflection of how adversity fuels purpose. She turned silence into speech and struggle into strength. Her work is distinctive in its combination of emotional authenticity, practical pedagogy, and inclusive vision. She doesn’t just write; she lives what she advocates. Her ability to translate life’s raw experiences into educational models and accessible literature makes her contributions truly transformative.
Though based in Ahmedabad, her impact spans across Gujarat and neighbouring states. Her teaching has crossed national boundaries. She now mentors students from the U.S. and the U.K. in Hindi. Her books are being translated into Chinese, Nepali, and English, proving her universal resonance.
She continues to inspire the youth through her dedication to literature, education, and value-driven living. By authoring accessible and thought-provoking books, she has ignited a love for reading and learning among young minds. She encourages students to think critically and pursue excellence with humility. Her life reflects how passion, resilience, and service can shape the future.
Mrs. Kumud is a powerful symbol of how one individual’s dedication to literature and education can uplift thousands and leave an enduring impact on society. Her story proves that the pen, indeed, holds immense power, and so does the heart that wields it with purpose.
