Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed makes statement in shimmering saree at Cannes 2026, fans highlight Aishwarya Rai connectionZindagi Gulzar Hai actor Sanam Saeed stuns at Cannes 2026 in a green saree. Fans love the look, drawing comparisons to Aishwarya Rai’s iconic Cannes 2002 debut
Hundreds of companies raised a combined $70 billion by selling shares to the public in the United States last year. But 2026 could shatter records, with rocket and AI company SpaceX, ChatGPT-maker OpenAI and AI startup Anthropic all potentially making their stock market debuts
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who recently emerged as a chief negotiator in talks with the United States, has been appointed to oversee relations with China, Iranian media reported on Sunday (May 17, 2026). "Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has recently been appointed as a special
Chef Ranveer Brar shares a quick and creamy Aam Shrikhand recipe every mango lover must try: Step-by-step processLove mangoes? Try this creamy Aam Shrikhand by Chef Ranveer Brar that delivers the perfect mix of creamy, fruity, and indulgent flavours. Published on: May 18
The millionaire businessman son of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has won a steering role in his father’s political party Fatah, a party official said on Sunday (May 17, 2026), as a succession fight looms for control of the embattled Palestinian Authority (PA)
IAS officer says education never taught lessons on happiness
IAS officer reflects on IIT Delhi to IIM Bangalore to civil services journey, says education missed key life lessons
IAS officer reflects on IIT Delhi to IIM Bangalore to civil services journey, says education missed key life lessons
IAS officer Divya Mittal reflected on how top education prepared students for exams, not loneliness or mental health.
Published on: May 18, 2026 10:52 AM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link IAS officer Divya Mittal has sparked a conversation online after sharing a deeply personal note on what she believes is missing from school education. In a post on her official X account, Mittal reflected on her journey from IIT Delhi to IIM Bangalore and then to the Indian Administrative Service, saying that even the country’s best education did not prepare her for some of life’s most important challenges. IAS officer Divya Mittal reflected on school education, saying life skills and mental health lessons were missing. (X/@divyamittal_IAS) (Also read: IIT topper rejected MIT offer, became IAS officer: Zoho's Sridhar Vembu remembers classmate) “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,” Mittal wrote. She added, “We spend many years learning how to achieve, but not a single day learning how to be happy.”‘No one explained the chemistry of a broken heart’
In her post, Mittal listed several life skills that she feels should be part of school education, including emotional regulation, deep communication, critical thinking, financial literacy, self discipline, handling loneliness, reading people, mental health maintenance and knowing oneself. (Also read: Ex-IAS officer says this Indian state has ‘Beaches cleaner than many European coastlines’) Speaking about emotional regulation, she wrote, “We memorised the periodic table, but no one explained the chemistry of a broken heart.” She said schools often demanded silence and confused it with peace, leaving many adults unable to process difficult emotions. On communication, Mittal said students were taught to write perfect essays but not how to say, “I’m hurting” or “No.” She also stressed that adults are often unprepared to deal with workplace bullying or set healthy boundaries.‘Money is not just about maths’
Mittal also underlined the importance of financial literacy, saying, “We spent years learning maths and solving for x, but never learned how to keep ourselves from falling into a debt trap.” According to her, education focuses on earning money someday, but not on managing it wisely once it arrives. She further wrote about loneliness, saying, “Peace is learning that being alone does not mean being lonely.” In another powerful line, she said, “We have gym class for our bodies, but nothing for our souls.” Mittal concluded her post by saying, “The ultimate education is discovering what truly matters to you before the world tells you what to want.” Take a look here at the post:Internet reacts to IAS officer’s post
Mittal’s post has garnered more than 203k views and prompted many users to agree with her thoughts. One user wrote, “Very well articulated. I would just like to add that the aspects not covered in our academic journey are often learned through individual life experiences, and those lessons stay with us throughout our lives. Kudos to your academic brilliance, and my best wishes to you.” Another said, “Marks and ranks are celebrated, but emotional strength is ignored.” A third commented, “Financial literacy should be made compulsory in every school.” (Also read: ‘How quietly empowerment can take root’: Rajasthan IAS officer praises Phalodi woman’s journey into entrepreneurship) Another user reacted, “This post explains why so many successful people still feel empty.” Someone else wrote, “Learning to say no is one of the most underrated life skills.” Another added, “Schools prepare us for exams, but life asks completely different questions.” A user also said, “Mental health education should begin much earlier, not after people burn out.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mahipal Singh Chouhan Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More Ias Upsc Iit Iim Bangalore Iim Ias Officer Get Latest Updates on Trending News Viral News, Video, Photos and Weather Updates of India and around the world Home/Trending/IAS Officer Reflects On IIT Delhi To IIM Bangalore To Civil Services Journey, Says Education Missed Key Life Lessons See LessIAS officer Divya Mittal has sparked a conversation online after sharing a deeply personal note on what she believes is missing from school education. In a post on her official X account, Mittal reflected on her journey from IIT Delhi to IIM Bangalore and then to the Indian Administrative Service, saying that even the country’s best education did not prepare her for some of life’s most important challenges.
(Also read: IIT topper rejected MIT offer, became IAS officer: Zoho's Sridhar Vembu remembers classmate)
“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,” Mittal wrote.
She added, “We spend many years learning how to achieve, but not a single day learning how to be happy.”
(Also read: Ex-IAS officer says this Indian state has ‘Beaches cleaner than many European coastlines’)
Speaking about emotional regulation, she wrote, “We memorised the periodic table, but no one explained the chemistry of a broken heart.” She said schools often demanded silence and confused it with peace, leaving many adults unable to process difficult emotions.
On communication, Mittal said students were taught to write perfect essays but not how to say, “I’m hurting” or “No.” She also stressed that adults are often unprepared to deal with workplace bullying or set healthy boundaries.
She further wrote about loneliness, saying, “Peace is learning that being alone does not mean being lonely.” In another powerful line, she said, “We have gym class for our bodies, but nothing for our souls.”
Mittal concluded her post by saying, “The ultimate education is discovering what truly matters to you before the world tells you what to want.”
Take a look here at the post:
(Also read: ‘How quietly empowerment can take root’: Rajasthan IAS officer praises Phalodi woman’s journey into entrepreneurship)
Another user reacted, “This post explains why so many successful people still feel empty.” Someone else wrote, “Learning to say no is one of the most underrated life skills.” Another added, “Schools prepare us for exams, but life asks completely different questions.” A user also said, “Mental health education should begin much earlier, not after people burn out.”
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Why we need to rethink how Science is taught in higher education IAS officer’s post on reforms after UDF victory sparks debate in Kerala Kerala Excise Commissioner post should be filled with IAS officer Madhya Pradesh IAS Officer Slaps Youth For Highlighting Lack Of Toilets Issue IAS officer's post on reforms after UDF victory sparks debate in Kerala Former IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan joins Congress SC stays trial against former Haryana IAS officer in Manesar land case ED raids ex-IAS officer IAS officer Trigun Kulkarni takes over as MSBSHSE head Indian man in Singapore says salary rose 5 times but happiness fell sharply
Marriage may be a personal or societal milestone for many but not for Sara Ali Khan. Amid dating rumours with a non-actor, she seems to be in no hurry to get married. Speaking exclusively to News18, she opens up on choosing patience over pressure and prioritising self-growth over chasing
3 minutes ago
India’s SMEs are accelerating AI adoption, unlocking efficiency and growth. As competition intensifies, recognition is becoming essential for credibility and visibility. Awards platforms now offer a crucial opportunity to stand out and gain an advantage.India’s SMEs are accelerating AI adoption
2 minutes ago
India has emerged as the largest market globally for KitKat, the iconic chocolate-coated wafer bar of Swiss food and confectionery major Nestlé, driven by strong consumer penetration, product innovation and aggressive marketing investments, according to the company
3 minutes ago
Amazon employee says company tracks office hours, calls it ‘infantalizing’An Amazon employee has revealed that the e-commerce giant tracks how many hours employees spend in the office, calling the practice “infantalizing” Updated on: May 18, 2026 10:53 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy
2 minutes ago
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is building a common interoperable infrastructure for soundboxes which can support Unified Payments Interface-based transactions made via any payment application, according to three people in the know
3 minutes ago
Keerthy Suresh is getting candid about a topic that has followed her for years, her dramatic physical transformation and the constant commentary around it. The National Award-winning actor recently opened up about her fitness journey, weight loss, body image struggles
5 minutes ago
We’ve all had that moment on a Monday morning. You’re staring at an Excel sheet, listening to a presentation and all you can think about is: What if I just pack my bags, move to Goa, and write a book? For most of us, it remains a daydream. But one woman actually did it—and a viral post on X
2 minutes ago
Kerala Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said he had no problems with VD Satheesan being appointed as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, emphasising that the party was more important than personal achievements. Speaking to CNN-News18, Chennithala said
4 minutes ago
Australian teens impacted by social media ban are getting less news: new researchAustralian teens impacted by social media ban are getting less news: new research Published on: May 18, 2026 11:48 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Sydney, In the months leading up to the implementation of Australia's
3 minutes ago
For years, weight management has been reduced to a singularly accepted notion: dieting. People usually say eat less, follow the latest diet and you’re bound to get the results accordingly. Yet despite countless diets and wellness trends, sustainable weight loss continues to remain out of reach
5 minutes ago
Taiwan will not provoke any conflict but will also not give up its sovereignty, said its president Lai Ching-te after a high-stakes summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping where they discussed the issue of Taiwan's independence. According to Chinese state media, Xi had told Trump that Taiwan
3 minutes ago
In Himachal Pradesh, the influence of traditional beliefs, religion and cultural practices continues to shape the conservation of forest land. Dev Vans, or sacred groves, are forest patches revered as the domain of local deities (devtas). Village customs strictly prohibit tree-felling
4 hours ago
Apple's long-delayed Siri overhaul is finally expected to arrive with iOS 27, but even after more than two years since its announcement, the new features could be labelled as ‘beta’ when they first arrive with the new iPhones later this year
4 hours ago
May 17, Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot cards have in store for youIf your birthday falls on May 17, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot. Published on: May 18, 2026 1:07 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link If you were born on May 17
4 hours ago
Aam Aadmi Pary chief Arvind Kejriwal on Friday inaugurated a night polyclinic in Goa’s Velim. The clinic, launched by AAP MLA Cruz Silva, will operate from 7 pm to 7 am and is the third “Aamche Arogya Polyclinic” opened in the constituency. Kejriwal said the facility was aimed at helping
4 hours ago
Woman found hanging in Bhopal, family claims ‘dowry death’, blames lawyer husband, mother-in-law. What is the case?Deceased's family has accused Samarth and his mother of murder. The family also claims that daughter's in-laws physically assauted her, destroyed the evidence. Updated on: May 18
4 hours ago
Indian-origin woman shares how she built $2.8 million-a-year ice cream business in USPooja Bavishi, 42, is the founder and CEO of New York-based ice cream brand Malai, which she founded in 2015. Published on: May 17, 2026 9:56 PM IST By Bhavya Sukheja Share via Copy link An Indian-origin
4 hours ago
NCB busts Dehradun lab making banned ‘jihadi drug’ Captagon; hunt on for another Syrian national linked to network31.5kg of Captagon was seized from a house in Delhi’s Neb Sarai and 196.2 kg from a container at the Mundra Port in Gujarat. Updated on: May 18
4 hours ago
The performance-focused mid-range smartphone segment is heating up, with OnePlus already launching the Nord 6 earlier in the year and Xiaomi now planning to introduce the Redmi Turbo 5 as well. While Xiaomi has not yet announced the pricing and specifications of the Turbo 5
4 hours ago
India hikes gold import duty to 15 percent to curb demand and protect forex, CBDT guidelines allow women more tax free gold than men, excess holdings need proof of source Gold has now again come into focus after the government hiked the import duty to 15 per cent from 6 per cent
4 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for May 18, 2026: Love needs honesty and emotional maturity todayLove Horoscope Today: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: May 18, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link Aries An emotional ending may create unexpected freedom today
4 hours ago
India will be entering its 2026 monsoon season under the shadow of one of the most alarming climate signals in years, as a potentially historic El Niño event forms in the Pacific Ocean and threatens to disrupt rainfall across large parts of the country from August onwards
4 hours ago
"I was on the train, just chilling. Suddenly, someone's come over my shoulder, and stabbed me." Footballer Jonathan Gjoshe pauses as he recalls the harrowing events of 1 November last year. Just weeks into his first season at Scunthorpe United
4 hours ago
It operates under the EEE structure — Exempt, Exempt, Exempt — meaning contributions qualify for deduction under Section 80C up to Rs 1.5 lakh, interest accumulates without any tax liability within prescribed limits, and withdrawals after five continuous years of service are generally tax-free
4 hours ago
This Indian woman went from earning ₹5,000 a month to running ₹48 crore business: 'Happiness doesn’t come from money'Nayana Vaidya went from earning a salary of ₹5,000 per month to owning a ₹48 crore business Updated on: May 18, 2026 7:21 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link Nayana
4 hours ago
‘No reparations, only 1 nuclear facility’: Iranian report lists US demands amid shaky ceasefireThe current impasse in diplomatic exchange between Iran and the United States comes after Iran's preconditions to resume negotiations for ending the war. Updated on: May 18
4 hours ago
Protesters clashed with the police in West Bengal’s Kolkata on Sunday during demonstrations against the state government restricting the offering of namaz on streets and demolishing allegedly illegal structures in the Tiljala area, according to media reports
4 hours ago
