From equations to envelopes: How this Mathematics graduate turned into a postwoman. Viral post

Among 26 delivery workers in her division, Akanksha Gaikwad was the only woman.

Akanksha Gaikwad, a Mathematics graduate turned postwoman, has captured the internet’s admiration with her inspiring personal story of resilience, determination, and unexpected fulfilment. Shared originally by Humans of Bombay on their LinkedIn page, Gaikwad's candid narration has since gone viral across platforms, with many users lauding her as a beacon of inspiration.

“You see the coat, khaki bag, & this chitthi?—I’m a postman! Yes, we still exist! And yes, I’m a female postman!” Gaikwad began her post, breaking stereotypes with her words and actions alike. Now three years into her role with India Post, Gaikwad revealed that becoming a postwoman was never a part of her original plan. “It wasn’t something I planned on becoming,” she admitted, adding that it was her father who urged her to pursue a government job for financial security.

Following his advice, she applied to India Post, expecting a routine desk job. However, her expectations were quickly challenged. “I thought it would be a desk job... but I was told, ‘You’re to deliver letters!’ I was taken aback,” she wrote.

Gaikwad recalled the initial doubts from her family and even herself. Among 26 delivery workers in her division, she was the only woman. “They thought, ‘Ab beti ghoom ghoom ke chitthi le jaayegi?’” she said of her parents' early concerns. “I also thought, ‘Do people even write letters anymore?’” she added, reflecting widespread assumptions about the relevance of physical mail in today’s digital age.

However, her experience on the job soon transformed her perspective. “During my first month, I’d walk for hours, going from house to house, delivering these letters—and through that process, I met the sweetest people,” she recalled.

She described an early interaction that particularly moved her: “Once, an old aunty opened the door and was shocked when she saw me. She said, ‘I never knew women deliver letters too!’ She called me inside and gave me a glass of cold water. She even offered me food, but I politely refused.”

Another moment stood out as especially significant to her: “Once when I was coming back home after a tiring day at work, a young girl who lived close by came to me and said, ‘Didi, I want to be a postwoman too!’ I was so touched.”

In her three years with the postal service, Gaikwad estimated that she had delivered over one lakh letters. Her work, she said, brought her profound personal satisfaction. “Delivering letters gives me so much peace... it makes me happy because in a way, I get to connect people. The anticipation with which they open the door and the smile that covers their face when they take their letter... no feeling is better,” she shared.

Gaikwad also noted that her parents, once hesitant, are now proud of her work and the role she plays in society.

Her story drew an outpouring of support and emotion on social media, with thousands of users leaving encouraging comments. One user wrote, “There’s something so pure, so grounding about stories like these, reminding us that connection doesn’t need to be digital or loud to be real. Thank you for doing what you do, Akanksha. You’re not just delivering letters, you’re delivering warmth people didn’t know they needed. Truly touched.”

Another said, “Your story is truly inspiring, Akanksha. It reminds me of the power of stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing unexpected opportunities.” A third user simply commented, “Your smile says it all. Keep up the good work.”