High-ranking civil servants are frequently perceived by the public as keeping their families insulated within privileged spaces, typically opting for international preschools, elite convent setups, or costly boarding institutions for their children. Nandurbar District Collector Mittali Sethi, however, has set an inspiring counter-example against this prevailing notion. Instead of seeking admission to an elite private facility, she chose to enroll her twin boys in a local government-run Anganwadi center.
Choosing Grassroots Public Care Over Commercial Play Schools
Nandurbar is a predominantly tribal district in Maharashtra where Mittali Sethi currently leads the administration. When her twin sons turned 3 years old, the question of their early education and social foundation arose. While conventional expectations pushed toward premium private preschools, she deliberately placed her trust in the public Anganwadi network. The decision initially prompted confusion and hesitation among close relatives and family members, yet she remained firm in her stance.
A Thoughtful Weight-Scale Cloth Sling That Made an Impression
The reasoning behind this step was not driven by publicity or symbolism, but by a personal, firsthand observation that left a deep impression. Prior to enrolling the children, Mittali Sethi conducted an inspection of the Anganwadi facility. During her visit, she noticed the cloth sling traditionally used to weigh infants, a contraption that frequently frightened the young children and caused them to cry.
Noticing their distress, a resourceful Anganwadi worker took the initiative to design a customized, comfortable sling with the help of a local tailor, ensuring that children could sit comfortably without tears. The worker remarked that there was no need for formal bureaucratic procedures or government tenders to fix such a problem, explaining that she took the initiative out of sheer goodwill and dedication. That genuine display of empathy and commitment deeply moved the collector.
Prioritizing Human Compassion Over Rote Memorization
Witnessing such selfless care convinced Mittali Sethi that genuine warmth, emotional security, and human connection are far more valuable for toddlers than slick marketing campaigns or rigid rote-learning curriculums. Despite early skepticism from relatives, she stood by her choice. Her sons are now 4 years old and continue attending the Anganwadi with pride and joy. She firmly believes that in early childhood, learning to interact with everyday society and understanding human values matter far more than bookish academics.
The Journey from Dental Practice to 56th Rank in UPSC
The professional trajectory of IAS officer Mittali Sethi is equally remarkable. Born into a respectable family in Jalandhar, Punjab, she excelled academically from an early age. She completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree in Amritsar before earning a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Orthodontics from a reputed institution in Chennai, establishing herself as a qualified dentist. During those years, immersed in clinical dental practice, she was barely acquainted with the functioning of the civil services.
A growing desire to serve society on a wider canvas eventually motivated her to step away from dentistry and take up civil services preparation. She faced disappointment in her first 2 attempts, but persevered through the setbacks. In the 2017 UPSC examination, she secured an impressive All India Rank of 56. Today, she serves as a dynamic and empathetic officer within the Maharashtra cadre. Her husband is also an administrative officer, and the couple remains widely recognized for their modest lifestyle and grounded choices.
