Hustling in Mumbai to Homeschooling on a Farm: This Family Left the City for a Simpler Life

In a world where the constant hustle of urban life can leave you feeling drained, some families are choosing a path less traveled. For Ananya and Raghav Kapoor, both former professionals in the fast-paced corporate world of Mumbai, life was all about work deadlines, traffic jams, and the never-ending pursuit of success. However, a growing desire to embrace a simpler, more meaningful lifestyle led them to make a life-altering decision: to leave the bustling city for a peaceful farm in the countryside.

Today, they live on a small farm in Maharashtra, where they homeschool their children, grow their own food, and live sustainably, far from the chaos of city life. Their journey of transformation is one of courage, purpose, and a deep commitment to family, simplicity, and self-sufficiency.

The Tipping Point: The Search for Balance

The Kapoors, like many urban professionals, had everything a person could want—a comfortable home, lucrative jobs, and a busy social calendar. But as the years passed, Ananya and Raghav realized that despite all the outward success, something was missing. "We were caught in the cycle of the city—work, traffic, school runs, and no time for ourselves," recalls Raghav. "Our children were growing up too fast, and we were constantly working to keep up with everything. We wanted to slow down."

In 2018, after years of contemplation, they decided to take the leap. They sold their apartment in Mumbai, packed their bags, and moved to a small farm outside of the city. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was one driven by a shared vision of a more fulfilling life.

Homeschooling on the Farm: A New Kind of Education

One of the first changes the Kapoors made was to homeschool their children—a decision that took them away from traditional schooling and gave them more control over their kids’ education. "We wanted them to experience life beyond textbooks," says Ananya. "On the farm, they learn by doing—whether it’s planting seeds, feeding the animals, or understanding how the environment works. It’s a hands-on education that teaches them to appreciate nature and understand where their food comes from."

Homeschooling on a farm, they discovered, was the perfect environment for curiosity and creativity. The children, no longer confined to classrooms and schedules, thrived in this new world. "They spend most of their day outside, running through fields, interacting with animals, and exploring the farm," says Raghav.

The Simpler Life: Growing Food and Living Sustainably

The family’s transition to farm life wasn’t just about education—it was about embracing a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle. Ananya and Raghav decided to grow their own food, relying on the land to provide fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They also raise chickens for eggs and are in the process of setting up a small organic garden for other produce.

“Living on the farm has taught us a lot about sustainability. We’ve learned to be resourceful, waste less, and appreciate the seasons and the land. It’s a way of life that brings us closer to nature,” says Ananya.

They also adopted minimalist living, getting rid of unnecessary possessions and focusing on what truly mattered. “We no longer feel the need to accumulate things. Instead, we invest in experiences and memories,” says Raghav. The family’s newfound simplicity has allowed them to enjoy more quality time together, whether it’s cooking a meal from their farm’s produce, enjoying the sunset, or reading together.

A Balanced Life: Work, Family, and Peace

While leaving the corporate world behind was a significant change, both Ananya and Raghav have found ways to integrate their skills into their new life. Raghav runs a small online business that helps fund the family’s lifestyle, while Ananya focuses on writing and content creation related to sustainable living and homeschooling. This allows them to balance their work with their commitment to the farm and family.

“We’ve found that the key to a balanced life isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing less, but better,” says Ananya. “We focus on our passions and what makes us happy, rather than chasing external validation.”

The Joy of Being Present

One of the greatest joys the Kapoors have found in their new life is the ability to be present. "In the city, we were always running around. Here, we take things slow. We wake up early, enjoy a cup of tea while watching the sunrise, and spend our day in the company of nature and each other," says Raghav.

The family has also become deeply involved in their local community, sharing their knowledge of sustainable farming, homeschooling, and simple living with others. They offer workshops on organic farming and alternative education to help others who might be considering similar lifestyle changes.

The Future: Growing the Farm, Growing the Family

Looking ahead, the Kapoors have big plans. They want to expand their farm, grow more of their own food, and continue to build a self-sustaining ecosystem. They also plan to start a small eco-friendly homestay, welcoming guests who are interested in experiencing farm life, organic living, and homeschooling.

For Ananya and Raghav, this journey isn’t just about escaping the city—it’s about creating a life that aligns with their values. “We’ve traded the hustle for peace, the rush for relaxation,” says Ananya. “And we’re teaching our children that the most important things in life aren’t possessions or status—they’re family, nature, and being true to yourself.”

Their story is a reminder that sometimes, the most fulfilling life isn’t the one that’s the most convenient or popular—it’s the one that feels authentic, purposeful, and rooted in what truly matters.