IAS officer Divya Mittal has resigned from the civil services after nearly 13 years, describing her decision as voluntary and reflecting on a career shaped by public service, people’s trust and lessons learned during her postings in Uttar Pradesh.

In an emotional message shared on social media, Mittal looked back at her journey from an ordinary family to becoming an IAS officer.

She studied at IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore before working in London. Despite achieving professional success abroad, she said she felt a sense of emptiness away from India and eventually returned to pursue a career in public service.

Lessons From Deoria And Mirzapur

Mittal highlighted her postings in Deoria and Mirzapur as particularly significant phases of her administrative career. She said Deoria taught her that standing up for what is right is a responsibility, while her experience in Mirzapur taught her that “impossible” is often only a matter of perception.

She also spoke about her faith in Maa Vindhyavasini and the role of people’s blessings and trust in giving her strength during her years in administration.

‘Behind Every File Is A Person’

Reflecting on her work, Mittal said some of her most meaningful experiences came from witnessing direct changes in people’s lives.

She recalled cases involving land rights, restoration of dignity for a person with a disability and the arrival of water in a farmer’s field. These experiences changed the way she viewed government files and administrative decisions.

For her, a government file was never simply paperwork. Behind every file was a person whose life could be affected by an administrative decision. She said protecting that person’s dignity was at the heart of justice.

People’s Trust Became Her Biggest Motivation

Mittal said that when she entered public service, she initially believed she was joining the system to give something back to society. Over time, however, she realised that the people she served had given her much more in return.

She recalled how people continued to place their faith in her even during difficult and exhausting periods. She also thanked officers, employees and colleagues who supported her throughout her career.

One of her most emotional memories involved an elderly woman from Lahuria Dah. After water finally reached the woman’s village, she reportedly blessed Mittal by placing her trembling hands on her head. Mittal said the moment remained deeply etched in her memory.

As she steps away from the civil services, Mittal said the dream that brought her back to India and the trust she received from ordinary people will continue to remain a part of her life.