Former Member of Parliament Tarun Vijay has advocated for Uttar Pradesh-cadre IAS officer Divya Mittal's farewell letter to be permanently inscribed at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. Vijay described Mittal’s resignation from the civil service after 13 years as “a sad moment for New India” in a social media post, highlighting the profound impact of her reflections on public service.
From Global Finance to Public Service
Divya Mittal, who served as District Magistrate in Deoria, Mirzapur, and Sant Kabir Nagar, announced her departure from the Indian Administrative Service. Her career path was notable, starting with education at IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore, followed by a stint as an associate at JPMorgan in London from April 2007 to July 2008.
Mittal recounted growing up in humble beginnings with aspirations for a successful life. Despite achieving her professional goals abroad, she felt an incompleteness and a strong pull towards her home country. “Even after attaining 'everything,' something still felt incomplete. Being away from my country weighed on me,” she stated. She emphasized that her education, confidence, and opportunities were a “debt owed to this soil” that needed to be repaid, prompting her return to India and entry into the IAS.
Lessons from the Field
Throughout her postings, Mittal gained valuable insights into public service. Her time in Deoria taught her that “standing with what is right is not an option, but a duty,” while her experience in Mirzapur revealed that “‘impossible’ is not a fact, but just an opinion.” She also spoke of a spiritual connection in Mirzapur, learning that “true power comes not from any position, but from her grace and the trust of the people.”
Mittal realized that her personal dreams had been fulfilled, leading her to adopt the dreams of the people she served as her own. She recalled instances of families receiving land rights, differently-abled individuals gaining dignity, and farmers accessing water for their fields.
“Walking alongside their struggles, I learned that behind every government file is a person, and upholding their dignity is what justice truly means,” she reflected.
A Deeper Debt of Gratitude
Initially, Mittal believed she was entering public service to contribute to society. However, she concluded that she had received far more than she had given. “I was a fool to think I had come to give something. The truth is, I received the most, and that debt only grew deeper,” she confessed. She expressed immense gratitude for the love, respect, and sense of belonging she experienced during her years in government, also crediting her colleagues for their unwavering support.
An Unforgettable Memory
Among her most cherished memories is that of an elderly woman from Lahuriya Dih, whose village received water for the first time. Mittal described the woman’s silent blessing, touching her head with trembling hands. “The position may be left behind today, but that touch will never leave me in this lifetime,” Mittal affirmed. She concluded her message by stating that her dream for India would remain, even after her departure from the IAS, expressing gratitude for everyone who shaped her 13-year journey.