IAS Divya S Iyer has perfected the art of balancing two different worlds. She is the collector of the Pathanamthitta district in Kerala and a practicing doctor, too. Being a good doctor and an efficient civil servant at the same time is not easy, but she does it with ease and discharges both her duties religiously.
Indian Masterminds brings to you a profile of this superwoman officer whose zeal to help people makes her work tirelessly as a civil servant as well as a doctor, as both are in the service of the public.
A ‘GOOD KID’ IN SCHOOL
Ms. Iyer has always excelled in whatever she undertook. Her academics have always been her strongest point and she was someone who was loved by one and all. An extremely studious and obedient student in school, she was called a ‘good kid’ by her teachers.
“I don’t remember anyone complaining that I was up to some mischief. In that sense, people might think that it wasn’t an exciting childhood since children are supposed to be pranksters. But it was a colorful childhood and I used to indulge in a lot of extra-curricular activities. I was someone who enjoyed being in the company of teachers and elders. It is extremely important for students to like their teachers, as it has a great effect on studies,” Ms. Iyer said.
A CHILDHOOD DREAM
Ms. Iyer’s first encounter with an IAS officer happened while she was in school. She studied in Holy Angels Convent School where many high-ranking government officials used to pay visit several times a year. That’s when she saw the kind of powers and respect that an IAS officer has in society. She immediately made up her mind to get into the same profession.
“I probably didn’t even know the full form of IAS then. But I wanted to be like them. I was awe-struck by the personality of IAS officers that I came across. I liked doing social service work and I was also greatly interested in knowing how the human body works. Thereafter, things started to fall into place.”
MEDICAL FIELD GAVE A NEW PERSPECTIVE
Her fascination with the human body and how it works motivated Ms. Iyer to get into medical school and become a doctor. She completed her medical studies at Christian Medical College, Vellore. For the first time, she lived in a hostel, and she cherished and enjoyed her newfound freedom to the fullest. Those were the most transformational days of her life.
“Becoming a doctor itself gives you a different perspective of life. We don’t understand pain and suffering until we see it in our own kith and kin. As a doctor, you witness firsthand the pain in a stranger’s life. It changes you as a person. Being a doctor helps me greatly with my work now. Today, when a petitioner or witness sits in front of me, I see them as people who have their own sufferings and dreams. If not for my medical stint, I would have been mechanical at my job as a civil servant,” says Ms. Iyer.
MAKING PATHANAMTHITTA WOMEN-FRIENDLY
Revealing her interest in making Pathanamthitta a women-friendly district, Ms. Iyer said, “It is a district where women are taking leadership in all sectors. The district should be a forerunner in ending social evils like dowry. It is my wish to see Pathanamthitta evolve into a fully women-friendly place.”
The collector is aware of the challenges thrown up by the current pandemic period. However, she affirmed that developmental activities and women empowerment measures will progress despite the challenges.
