From IIT to Mudhouse: The Inspiring Journey of Sakshi and Arpit Maheshwari

In the serene village of Badnagar, Madhya Pradesh, lies a 1.5-acre retreat called Jeevantika. It’s more than just a farm; it’s a living testament to a dream born out of love for nature, sustainability, and simplicity. The dreamers behind this eco-haven are Sakshi and Arpit Maheshwari, IIT graduates who exchanged their high-paying U.S. tech careers for a life rooted in soil, silence, and sustainability.

From Stock Options to Farm Plots: The Life-Changing Sabbatical

Arpit, a former tech wizard at Microsoft and Goldman Sachs, and Sakshi, a yoga instructor, appeared to be on the classic path to success. But a sabbatical in 2015 marked a turning point.

“We wanted more than to travel; we wanted to connect,” Arpit shares. Their explorations in South America, including volunteering at Chilean schools and immersing themselves in local cultures, opened their eyes to the environmental toll of modern lifestyles.

“We sold everything, packed our lives into backpacks, and set off with no return date,” Sakshi recalls. What began as wanderlust soon transformed into a quest for purpose, steering them back to India.


The Auroville Influence: Learning to Live in Harmony with Nature

Their journey brought them to Auroville, an experimental township in Puducherry dedicated to sustainable living. Here, they learned natural farming, eco-conscious living, and permaculture design. “Auroville taught us to respect the land and live in harmony with it,” says Sakshi.

Yearning to stay close to family while putting their learnings into practice, they chose Badnagar, Madhya Pradesh, to begin their lives as farmer-engineers. Thus, Jeevantika was born.

A Mudhouse Tougher Than JEE

Building Jeevantika’s mudhouse became their ultimate test of patience and creativity. With no prior construction experience, they completed it in 90 days using locally sourced mud.

“The process was meditative,” says Sakshi. “Mixing clay, sculpting walls, and watching it all come together was the most fulfilling challenge we’ve faced.” The house is a zero-electricity marvel, staying naturally cool during scorching summers without fans or air conditioning.

“It was harder than cracking the JEE,” Sakshi says with a laugh, reflecting on their mudhouse construction. But their mudhouse is more than a shelter—it’s a symbol of their commitment to sustainable living.

Everyday Life at Jeevantika: Living Off the Land

Life at Jeevantika starts with the sun. By 5 a.m., Sakshi and Arpit are on the farm, tending to crops, planting trees, and nurturing their food forest. The 1.5-acre farm produces 85% of their food, including pulses, cereals, and seasonal vegetables.

“The only thing we buy is oil because we don’t have the machinery for it yet,” Sakshi explains. With no refrigerator, meals are cooked fresh, ensuring zero waste. Their philosophy is simple: grow what you eat and eat what you grow.

“We don’t rush or hoard. It’s about being present in the moment,” says Arpit. Evenings are spent relaxing in their mudhouse, reflecting on a day well-lived.

Farming the Natural Way: Permaculture and Harmony

Jeevantika is not about commercial farming. Instead, it’s a celebration of ecological balance. Their farm consists of 80% fruit-bearing and wild trees and 20% crops. Inspired by permaculture, they avoid machinery, diesel, and chemical fertilizers, relying solely on rainwater harvesting and natural farming methods.

Sakshi underwent permaculture training in Hyderabad before embarking on their farming journey. “It’s not just about food—it’s a way of life,” she says.

Jeevantika: A Retreat for the Eco-Curious

Sakshi and Arpit now invite visitors to experience their way of life at Jeevantika. For ₹1,000 per person per day, guests can stay at the farm, savor fresh meals, and learn the principles of sustainable living.

“We were hesitant at first, but seeing people leave inspired has been incredibly rewarding,” Arpit shares. Visitors like Shashank Katiyar, an IIT student, have called the experience transformative. “It changed my perspective on sustainability and life itself,” Shashank says.

Lessons for Aspiring Farm Enthusiasts

Sakshi and Arpit’s journey offers lessons for anyone dreaming of rural living:

1. Start Small, Think Big: Their 1.5-acre farm proves even modest spaces can thrive with care and vision.

2. Stay True to Your Purpose: They’ve resisted commercialization to preserve their mission.

3. Embrace Sustainability: From rainwater harvesting to permaculture, every decision reflects their environmental commitment.
   
   

 The World Takes Note

Their inspiring story has captured the attention of media outlets such as The Better India and Construction Times. Realty Plus calls Jeevantika “a blueprint for conscious living" while Construction Times hails their mudhouse as “not just a home, but a statement.”

Cultivating More Than Crops

Sakshi and Arpit are redefining success, finding joy in simplicity and sustainability. “The soil has taught us more than any boardroom,” shares Sakshi. Their journey inspires us to reconnect with nature and rethink our priorities.

Step out of the rat race and into the “Root Race” with Jeevantika. Or Own your piece of land and embrace the charm of rural living. Explore farmlands near you: www.farmlandbazaar.com

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