Divya Mittal, a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has announced her resignation after a 13-year career that saw her serve as district magistrate in Deoria, Mirzapur, and Sant Kabir Nagar. Her decision marks the end of a remarkable journey that began with top-tier education and a global professional start.
An Elite Background and a Call to Serve
Mittal's academic credentials include degrees from the prestigious IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore. Following her education, she embarked on an international career, working as an associate at JPMorgan in London from April 2007 to July 2008. Despite achieving significant professional success abroad, Mittal expressed a profound sense of incompleteness.
She explained that even with her accomplishments, something felt missing, and being away from her home country weighed heavily on her. This feeling, coupled with a conviction that her education and opportunities entailed a responsibility towards India, led her to return and join the IAS.
Lessons from Public Service
Throughout her tenure, Divya Mittal gained deep insights into public service and governance. Her postings as District Magistrate were particularly formative:
- Deoria: Taught her that upholding what is right is not merely an option, but a fundamental duty.
- Mirzapur: Showed her that the word 'impossible' is often just an opinion, not a fact. She also found a deeper connection with the people, learning that true power emanates from public trust and grace, rather than position.
Mittal reflected on how her personal dreams evolved into seeing the dreams of the people she served as her own. She recounted instances of families receiving land rights, differently-abled individuals gaining dignity, and farmers finally accessing water for their fields. She emphasized that behind every government file lies a human story, and upholding human dignity is the essence of justice.
A Journey of Receiving
Initially, Mittal believed she was entering public service to contribute, but she ultimately discovered that she received far more than she gave. She spoke of the immense love, respect, and sense of belonging she gained from the communities she served.
A particularly poignant memory for Mittal was an encounter with an elderly woman in Lahuriya Dih, whose village received water for the first time. The woman, unable to speak, blessed Mittal with trembling hands, a gesture that left an indelible mark. Mittal stated that while her position may now be in the past, that heartfelt touch will remain with her always. She concluded by affirming that her aspirations for India will endure, even after her departure from the IAS.