Ms. Irina Garg’s journey into the Indian Civil Services is both inspiring and unconventional. Unlike many who dream of serving the nation through civil services from a young age, Ms. Garg’s decision came much later, influenced significantly by her husband.
She had never planned to become a civil servant until after her marriage. It was her husband, an IAS officer, who saw her potential and encouraged her to consider a career in civil services. Motivated by his advice and support, she began preparing for the exams. Despite the challenges of balancing her family life, including managing her responsibilities as a wife and mother, she gave the exams a single attempt and successfully secured a position as an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer.
The initial days in the service were tough for Ms. Garg. She found herself juggling multiple roles simultaneously—those of a mother, wife, and officer. These challenges, however, did not deter her. Instead, they strengthened her resolve. She embraced every difficulty that came her way without complaint or regret. Her entry into the IRS marked the beginning of a career where she would face numerous challenges, yet continue to persevere with grace and determination.
As she settled into her role, Ms. Garg made conscious efforts to adapt to the demands of her position. She recognized the need to project a serious demeanor, which even influenced her style of dressing. She also acknowledged that, as a woman in a predominantly male-dominated field, she had to be more cautious and vigilant than her male counterparts. These adaptations, however, did not come at the cost of her integrity or her ability to perform her duties with excellence.
Throughout her career, Ms. Garg remained deeply committed to the IRS, never considering a shift to any other service. She had no preconceived notions about the service when she joined, and she accepted every assignment and challenge with an open mind. This attitude of acceptance and resilience allowed her to grow, both personally and professionally. She evolved into a leader who believed in providing bureaucrats with the necessary freedom to follow the spirit of the law, rather than being bogged down by its letter.
Her journey, marked by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her duties, culminated in her retirement as the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax in Jaipur. Even in retirement, Ms. Garg’s story stands as a testament to the power of determination and the impact of supportive relationships in achieving one’s goals.
In a conversation with Indian Masterminds, Ms. Irina Garg shared insights from her experiences in the field, highlighting the challenges she faced during raids and investigations. She also reflected on how she navigated her career at a time when only a few women were part of the bureaucracy, making her journey even more remarkable.
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