IIT Graduates Lead Deoria’s Transformation: A Beacon of Hope for the Future
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/17th July 2024
In the heart of eastern Uttar Pradesh lies Deoria, a district yearning for development and progress. This need for transformation has led to an unprecedented convergence of talent, where the top four officials steering the district’s future are all graduates of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This unique combination of leaders has instilled a renewed sense of optimism among Deoria’s residents, who now look forward to a brighter future.
At the forefront of this remarkable team is Shashank Mani Tripathi, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Deoria. An alumnus of IIT-Delhi’s 1986 batch, Tripathi also holds an MBA from a business school in Lausanne, Switzerland. His academic and professional background brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to innovative problem-solving, attributes that are crucial for driving change in a backward district like Deoria.
The district magistrate, Divya Mittal, is another IIT-Delhi graduate who exemplifies the practical application of technical education in governance. A 2013-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Mittal also holds a postgraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai and previously worked as an investment banker. Her technical expertise has already proven beneficial in her administrative roles, such as when she successfully brought piped water to the top of a mountain in Mirzapur during her tenure there. Mittal emphasizes the value of diverse academic backgrounds in civil services, noting how varied perspectives can lead to more efficient and effective governance.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Sankalp Sharma, a chemical engineer from IIT-Roorkee, joined Deoria in 2022. Sharma believes that while academic lessons from engineering may not directly apply to policing, the logical thinking and problem-solving skills developed during his education are invaluable. His experience in the field, combined with his engineering background, positions him to contribute significantly to public service and safety in Deoria.
Chief Development Officer (CDO) Pratyush Pandey, a civil engineering graduate from IIT-Kanpur with an MBA from IIM-Ahmedabad, completes this distinguished team. Pandey’s expertise in civil engineering and management equips him with the necessary skills to drive developmental projects and initiatives that can uplift the district.
The impact of these highly qualified leaders on Deoria’s transformation is anticipated to unfold in the coming months. Their collective presence has already sparked hope among the district’s residents, who see this as an opportunity for significant progress. Divya Mittal highlights the practical advantages of her technical education, citing her previous success in Mirzapur as a testament to the value of engineering knowledge in administrative roles.
MP Tripathi reflects on the broader benefits of an IIT education, emphasizing that it fosters a commitment to hard work and innovative solutions. He acknowledges that the intellect and contributions of individuals from diverse academic backgrounds are equally important for the development of any region.
SP Sharma reiterates the complementary role of his engineering background in policing, relying on logic and experience to serve the public effectively. He expresses confidence in the synergy among the IITians in Deoria, believing that their collective efforts will lead to substantial improvements in the lives of the people.
