Lucknow: A deeply personal post by 2013 batch IAS officer Divya Mittal has struck a chord with thousands online, sparking a broader discussion about what is missing from modern education.
The Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer, who studied at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and Indian Institute of Management Bangalore before joining the Indian Administrative Service, said that despite receiving the best education the country had to offer, she was never taught how to handle loneliness, regulate emotions, or find happiness.
In a thoughtful post shared on X and Facebook, she wrote:
“IIT Delhi to IIM Bangalore to IAS. I got the best education my country had to offer. It taught me how to crack tough exams and manage big responsibilities. But it never taught me how to quiet my own mind or handle loneliness. We spend many years learning how to achieve, but not a single day learning how to be happy.”
Her reflections have resonated widely with students, professionals, and civil service aspirants.
What Divya Mittal Says Is Missing from School Education
Divya Mittal outlined several life skills that she believes should be part of formal education but are often overlooked.
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Emotional Regulation
Mittal noted that while students memorize scientific facts, they are rarely taught how to process grief, disappointment, or emotional pain.
“We memorized the periodic table, but no one explained the chemistry of a broken heart.”
She argued that many people are taught to suppress emotions rather than understand and process them.
Deep Communication
According to Mittal, schools emphasize essays and presentations but do not teach students how to express vulnerability, set boundaries, or say “no.”
She said these skills are essential for dealing with workplace bullying, protecting personal time, and maintaining healthy relationships.
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Critical Thinking
Mittal emphasized that success in school often rewards memorizing answers, while real life rewards asking meaningful questions.
She warned that many adults repeat opinions confidently without ever examining where those opinions come from.
Financial Literacy
Although students spend years solving mathematical equations, Mittal said they are rarely taught how to manage money, avoid debt, and make financially sound decisions.
She described financial literacy as essential to preserving freedom and reducing stress.
Self-Discipline
In school, schedules and deadlines are imposed externally. Adulthood, she said, requires the ability to motivate oneself without supervision.
“Discipline is simply the habit of keeping promises to yourself.”
Handling Loneliness
Mittal observed that school life is surrounded by peers, but adulthood often brings prolonged periods of solitude.
She suggested that people should learn how to be comfortable with themselves and understand that being alone is not the same as being lonely.
Reading People
She stressed the importance of understanding hidden motives and recognizing that not everyone presents their true intentions openly.
This, she said, is a vital life skill rarely taught in classrooms.
Mental Health Maintenance
Mittal compared physical education classes with the absence of equivalent instruction for emotional and mental well-being.
She highlighted the importance of recognizing burnout, understanding stress, and knowing when to seek help.
Knowing Yourself
Perhaps the most profound lesson, according to Mittal, is self-awareness.
“We spend years trying to be the ‘best’ student, only to realize we don’t know who we are without a gold medal.”
She described the ultimate purpose of education as discovering what truly matters before society defines success for us.
Who Is Divya Mittal?
Divya Mittal is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service officer known for her academic excellence and thoughtful leadership.
Born on November 23, 1983, she belongs to the 2013 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
Educational Qualifications
- B.Tech. from IIT Delhi
- Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore
Awards and Recognitions
- Ashok Bambawale Memorial Award for Outstanding IAS Officer Trainee
- Summer Undergraduate Research Award
Administrative Career
Divya Mittal has served in several key roles, including:
- District Magistrate and Collector, Deoria
- Chief Development Officer
- Joint Magistrate
- Vice Chairman
- Joint Managing Director
- Assistant Secretary
Following recent administrative transfers in Uttar Pradesh, she has been posted as Special Secretary in the Revenue Department.
IIT Delhi to IIM Bangalore to IAS. I got the best education my country had to offer. It taught me how to crack tough exams and manage big responsibilities. But it never taught me how to quiet my own mind or handle loneliness. We spend many years learning how to achieve, but not a…
— Divya Mittal (@divyamittal_IAS) May 17, 2026
Why Her Message Resonated
Divya Mittal’s post has resonated because it highlights a truth many people experience but rarely articulate: formal education often prepares individuals for achievement, but not necessarily for emotional resilience and inner well-being.
Her message serves as a reminder that success is not just about academic credentials or career milestones, but also about learning how to live with clarity, balance, and self-understanding.
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