suparjya swain 
FEATURE: Paramita Satpathy Tripathy’s life story is one that defies easy categorisation, woven through with threads of literary brilliance, administrative acumen, and a relentless commitment to personal integrity. A Sahitya Akademi Award-winning author and the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (PCCIT), Odisha, Paramita’s journey reflects the rare ability to blend passion and purpose, carving a space where intellectual curiosity and professional success coexist seamlessly.
Born on August 30, 1965, in the historic city of Cuttack, Odisha, Paramita was immersed in the world of literature from the very beginning. Her parents—both professors—her father, Nityananda Satpathy, and her mother, Pratibha Satpathy, a Sahitya Akademi Award-winning poet, fostered an environment where intellectual inquiry and literary pursuits flourished. “Growing up on a university campus near the Chandaka forest, surrounded by nature and rich cultural heritage, was formative,” Paramita recalls. “It wasn’t just about academics; it was the rhythm of life itself that shaped me.”
Despite the intellectual nurturing, Paramita never envisioned a life in civil services. Driven by a love for academia, she pursued Economics at university, later completing her MPhil and PhD at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, where she received the prestigious Junior Research Fellowship. She had plans to further her studies abroad but hesitated to leave behind her deep connection to Odia culture and literature. “If I went abroad, I would lose my bond with the Odia language. That was something I couldn’t sacrifice,” she explains.
However, her path was destined for an unexpected turn. While at JNU, Paramita found herself, almost by chance, drawn to the UPSC Civil Services Examination. “Everyone around me was preparing for it, so I thought, why not try?” she says with a smile. On her first attempt, she reached the interview stage but did not make the final cut. Yet, on her second attempt, she secured a place in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), a decision that would shape the course of her life.
But Paramita’s approach to civil services was unique. She never chased the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), as many aspirants do after securing a rank. “For me, joining the civil service wasn’t the end goal. It was just one way to contribute,” she shares. “I knew when it was time to stop and focus on the things that mattered most to me—writing, family, and giving back to society.”
Paramita’s professional journey in the IRS has been marked by steady dedication, and her administrative skills were honed further during her tenure as Director (Finance) at the Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC). There, she streamlined financial systems and brought about significant institutional reforms. Today, as the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax for Odisha, she continues to leave an indelible mark on governance.
Yet, it is in her writing where Paramita’s heart truly lies. Her seven short-story collections, including the Sahitya Akademi Award-winning ‘Prapti’, explore themes of resilience, social consciousness, and human nature. Her stories, translated into several languages, resonate deeply with readers, particularly her portrayal of strong, introspective women grappling with life’s complexities. “Writing was never just a pastime. It was always a way for me to reflect and understand the world,” she says.
For Paramita, success isn’t defined by a single achievement or the pursuit of a singular dream. It’s about finding balance, knowing when to take a step back, and pursuing passions with authenticity. “There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of success,” she reflects. “Life is full of opportunities—whether it’s civil services, literature, or any other path. What matters is how you embrace your journey and stay true to your heart.”
For many aspirants, clearing the UPSC exam is a matter of immense pride, and those who do not secure a rank high enough for the IAS often attempt the exam again. However, Paramita was different. She had no desire to continue the grueling process. “People generally take another attempt to try for the IAS, but I didn’t want to. For me, being a civil servant was never the goal. I wanted to get back to writing and focusing on other aspects of life,” she explains.
With her rank, she secured a position in the IRS and decided to stop there. “It’s important to know when to move on. For me, clearing the exam was never the be-all and end-all. I had other passions, and I didn’t want to waste more time chasing something that didn’t matter as much to me,” she adds.
Ms. Satpathy’s perspective on the UPSC exam is refreshing and offers a much-needed reality check for many aspirants who spend years trying to clear it. “There are so many avenues in life, and young people shouldn’t waste their years on something that might not work out. Yes, hard work is essential, but there is also an element of luck in this exam. Sometimes it’s just a matter of probability, and not everyone makes it, no matter how much they prepare,” she says. Success came naturally to her because she had other interests and didn’t place her entire self-worth in clearing the civil services. “If you’re not able to clear it, don’t feel like it’s the end of the world. Life is full of opportunities, and you can make a difference in many other fields. Don’t let this exam define your life,” she advises.
As a respected IRS officer, an acclaimed author, and a luminary in Odia literature, Paramita Satpathy Tripathy’s life stands as a testament to the power of following one’s instincts, carving out new paths, and redefining what it means to live a successful, fulfilling life. She remains a beacon for those who understand that true success lies not in external accolades but in the quiet fulfillment of living with purpose.
