In a moving post that has resonated deeply with civil servants and aspirants alike, IAS officer Priyansha Garg, who was posted as BDO, Uluberia-II, Assistant Magistrate & Assistant Collector, Howrah, recently took to LinkedIn to reflect on the emotional journey of farewells at various stages of her service. With the title “Welfare and Farewell”, her message offers a poignant and honest glimpse into the human side of bureaucracy—a world often seen through the lens of power, files, and formalities.
The Post That Struck a Chord
Priyansha opens her note with a seemingly simple yet profound remark once shared with her by a retired officer:
“Most of your career will be about welfare and farewell.”
At the time, she admits, she didn’t fully understand what that meant. But after living through three farewells in the span of just one week—at the Block, District, and State Administrative Training Institute (ATI) levels—the full weight of those words became clear.
“While sitting on the chair, your job is the welfare of others. You’ll take decisions for people you may never meet. You’ll work for outcomes that may not be visible immediately… And then comes the farewell,” she writes.
In her post, she highlights how public service is a constant cycle of beginnings and goodbyes. Decisions made in office often ripple outward, affecting countless lives indirectly, while the true impact of one’s service becomes clear only during farewells—“not in files, but in faces.”
More Than Just a Transfer
Transfers and farewells are a routine part of any civil servant’s life, but Priyanasha’s note captures the emotional gravity of those moments. She describes how each goodbye felt heavier than the last—especially when saying farewell to her dedicated team of over 50 members at the Block level and later sharing a final dinner with the District Magistrate and Additional DMs.
“I thought I’d be ready. I expected kind words as a matter of formality. But each word spoken made it harder to leave.”
It’s in those vulnerable, unscripted moments that the true bonds of teamwork, commitment, and integrity reveal themselves, she suggests.
A Message for Aspirants and Officers
Priyansha’s reflection serves as a gentle reminder for fellow officers and those aspiring to join the civil services—that beyond the duties and protocols, public service is deeply human.
Her words also carry an important insight:
“Welfare is your duty. Farewell is your feedback. And the service is a cycle of both.”
It’s this balance of responsibility and reflection that shapes an officer’s journey—not only in terms of policy and performance but in the legacy they leave behind in the eyes of those they served with.
The Viral Response
Since being shared, Priyansha’s post has received an outpouring of appreciation, with readers thanking her for expressing what many officers feel but rarely articulate. The comment section is filled with messages, best wishes and appreciation—all touched by her honesty.
As Priyansha Garg steps into the next chapter of her administrative journey, her words will likely stay with many: “No matter how much you prepare yourself, some moments still catch you off guard. But that’s life. For something new to begin, something else must be ‘farewelled’.”
A simple truth, beautifully said.
