Paramita Satpathy, a distinguished Indian writer and IRS officer, never intended to become a civil servant. Her journey from academia to the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) is a fascinating story of serendipity and determination. Born on August 30, 1965, Paramita was raised in an intellectually stimulating environment, with both her parents being professors of Odia literature. Her father, Nityananda Satpathy, and mother, Sahitya Akademi Award-winning poet Pratibha Satpathy, inspired her to pursue knowledge, and she had her sights set firmly on academics. However, life had other plans for her.
GROWING UP IN CUTTACK
Hailing from the historic district of Cuttack, Ms. Satpathy, spent her formative years in a place steeped in history and culture, where the rivers Mahanadi and Kathajodi meet. Her early years were spent in Cuttack before her parents, both professors, moved to Bhubaneswar to teach at Utkal University.
“Staying on the university campus was a wonderful experience, surrounded by nature, at a time when Bhubaneswar was not so developed. The greenery, the stretches of forests, and the proximity to Chandaka Forest, known for its elephants, were a big part of my childhood memories,” Ms. Satpathy, told to Indian Masterminds
This connection with nature and her early exposure to Odia literature deeply influenced her interests, leading her to believe that her future would be in academia, not the civil services.
A JOURNEY THROUGH ACADEMIA
Ms. Satpathy pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Economics from prestigious institutions in Odisha. With a deep interest in the subject, she excelled in her studies and soon set her sights on further academic pursuits. Her parents, being professors, encouraged her intellectual curiosity, and she considered following in their footsteps.
“I was always inclined towards academics. I had even planned to go abroad, perhaps to the London School of Economics or the United States, to continue my studies. But something held me back,” Paramita shares. “I realized that if I went abroad, I would lose my connection with the Odia language and literature, something that was deeply rooted in me.”
This decision led her to pursue her MPhil and PhD at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, where she was awarded the prestigious Junior Research Fellowship.
THE UNEXPECTED TURN
While at JNU, surrounded by peers who were preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Paramita found herself drawn into the process almost by chance. “Everyone around me was sitting for the exam, so I thought, why not give it a try?” she explains, laughing at the memory.
What began as a fluke turned into a pivotal moment in her life. On her first attempt, she reached the interview stage but narrowly missed the final cut. “I didn’t clear it the first time, but it didn’t really matter much to me. It was just an experiment, and I wasn’t too invested,” she recalls.
However, on her second attempt, she successfully cleared the exam and was allocated to the IRS. At this point, many would have continued striving for the prestigious IAS, but Paramita had other plans.
TURNING DOWN ANOTHER ATTEMPT
For many aspirants, clearing the UPSC exam is a matter of immense pride, and those who do not secure a rank high enough for the IAS often attempt the exam again. However, Paramita was different. She had no desire to continue the grueling process.
“People generally take another attempt to try for the IAS, but I didn’t want to. For me, being a civil servant was never the goal. I wanted to get back to writing and focusing on other aspects of life,” she explains.
With her rank, she secured a position in the IRS and decided to stop there. “It’s important to know when to move on. For me, clearing the exam was never the be-all and end-all. I had other passions, and I didn’t want to waste more time chasing something that didn’t matter as much to me,” she adds.
A MESSAGE FOR ASPIRANTS
Ms. Satpathy’s perspective on the UPSC exam is refreshing and offers a much-needed reality check for many aspirants who spend years trying to clear it. “There are so many avenues in life, and young people shouldn’t waste their years on something that might not work out. Yes, hard work is essential, but there is also an element of luck in this exam. Sometimes it’s just a matter of probability, and not everyone makes it, no matter how much they prepare,” she says.
Success came naturally to her because she had other interests and didn’t place her entire self-worth in clearing the civil services. “If you’re not able to clear it, don’t feel like it’s the end of the world. Life is full of opportunities, and you can make a difference in many other fields. Don’t let this exam define your life,” she advises.
A WRITES AT HEART
Throughout her journey, Paramita never lost sight of her love for writing. Even before joining the IRS, she had been writing and getting her stories published, receiving encouraging feedback. Today, she is not only a respected IRS officer but also an acclaimed writer, carrying forward her family’s literary legacy.
“Writing has always been my passion, and I think that’s what helped me balance everything. Even while working in the IRS, I continued to write, and that’s something I never want to give up,” she says.
For Paramita Satpathy, life was never about fitting into one mold. From academia to civil services and writing, her journey has been a testament to the importance of following one’s passions, even when life takes unexpected turns. In a world where many are fixated on clearing the UPSC, her story is a reminder that success can come in many forms, and it’s important to keep an open mind and heart to all possibilities.
