IAS officer and IIT-IIM graduate pens emotional post on 'guilt of motherhood' on Women's Day, says it's important to 'forgive yourself'

Divya Mittal, an officer of the esteemed Indian Administrative Service (IAS), is no stranger to adversity. Her journey toward becoming a civil servant was paved with relentless effort, unwavering determination, and countless sacrifices. Before successfully clearing one of the nation’s most challenging competitive examinations, she pursued higher education at two of India’s most distinguished institutions—the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Delhi and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Bangalore.

While securing admission into these premier institutes and eventually entering the bureaucratic system required immense perseverance, Mittal acknowledges that none of these hurdles compare to the complexities and emotional demands of motherhood.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, she shared a series of reflections about the trials and triumphs of raising two young daughters while simultaneously managing the weighty responsibilities of her profession.

Mittal revealed that her elder daughter is currently eight years old. “At just eight, she is already experiencing the world attempting to silence her thoughts when they don’t align with others’ opinions. We must ensure that her inner spark remains undimmed,” she expressed in a heartfelt social media post.

As a parent, Mittal believes it is her duty to instill in her daughters the belief that their voices hold value, even in the face of criticism. She emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment where they can express themselves with