Irina Garg’s path to the civil services was a surprising twist in her life’s journey. She hadn’t always envisioned herself as an IRS officer, but things changed after her marriage. It was her husband who first suggested she consider preparing for the UPSC exams. Juggling family life with her preparation, she managed to clear the exam, and once she completed her training, there was no stopping her.
As she rose through the ranks in the Indian Revenue Service, eventually becoming the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax in Jaipur, Irina’s resilience shone through. She handled every challenge with grace, managing both her career and family without any regrets. Her work ethic and determination made her a respected officer in her field.
After retirement, Irina didn’t slow down. She joined the Jagriti Foundation to fill the gap in her life left when her daughter left for college. Passionate about education, she adopted a government school, visiting regularly to share stories with the students. She believes strongly in the power of storytelling and its ability to inspire young minds.
Her creative side also flourished, from acting in projects for fun to creating intricate embroidery inspired by folk art. Irina’s reflections on women’s roles are grounded in her experiences. She believes women shouldn’t feel the need to emulate men and that it’s okay to embrace their own unique paths. Now, she hopes to bring new life to mythological stories for the younger generation, continuing to experiment and grow even after retirement.
In conversation with Indian Masterminds she reveals her post retirement plans-
