IPS officer Ravinder Singal, currently posted as Commissioner of Police, Nagpur, embodies a rare combination of physical endurance, creative pursuits, and professional excellence. In the 50+ age category, he became the first bureaucrat in India to complete the Ironman triathlon in France, a feat that combines a 4 km swim, 180 km cycling, and a full marathon of 42 km. Beyond endurance sports, he is an accomplished author, photographer, and painter, making his life a tapestry of multifaceted achievements.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer shared details of his multifaceted life and journey.
THE IRONMAN JOURNEY
For Ravinder Singal, endurance sports were not a planned pursuit but an organic extension of his active lifestyle. “When I was posted in Mumbai, I had already developed a love for running and had completed marathons. Later, when I moved to Nashik, the city’s pleasant weather and scenic surroundings inspired me to take up cycling,” he shared.
Cycling took center stage when Singal participated in the Deccan Cliffhanger, a grueling 643-kilometer non-stop cycling challenge from Pune to Goa. Completing it in 38 hours was a turning point. “That experience gave me the confidence to take on tougher challenges. It made me think, what next?” he said.
The answer was the Ironman triathlon, which demanded preparation across three disciplines. “Cycling was my strength, but swimming was a hurdle. I had to learn and train rigorously for the 4-kilometer open-water swim, which was against the clock. It was daunting, but I believed I could do it,” he shared with Indian Masterminds.
After months of intense preparation, often squeezing training into his busy schedule as Commissioner of Police in Nashik, he completed the Ironman in 15 hours and 13 minutes. “Crossing that finish line was not just about physical endurance; it was about mental strength. It’s all in the mind,” he emphasized.
THE AUTHOR AND DOCUMENTARIAN
Singal’s fascination with documenting cultural heritage began during his tenure as SP Nanded, where he visited the Malegaon Yatra, a sprawling rural fair. “I noticed how this event was like Maharashtra’s version of the Pushkar fair. It was rich in history, culture, and unique practices, yet no one had documented it. That’s when I decided to write my first book, Malegaonchi Yatra, in Marathi,” he explained.
Since then, he has authored three more books, including one on the Kumbh Mela, drawn from his experience as SP Nashik during the massive pilgrimage. Another book chronicles his Deccan Cliffhanger journey. His work, Policing: A New Dimension, offers a fresh perspective on law enforcement. “Writing for me is a way to connect with people and preserve stories that might otherwise fade away,” he added.
THE LENS AND THE CANVAS
Singal’s creative journey extends to photography and painting, passions he nurtured from a young age. “I picked up photography in 8th grade and carried it into my career as a civil servant. Wherever I’ve been posted—be it the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad or cultural festivals in remote areas—I’ve captured the essence of these events through my lens. My passion for understanding crowds and photography inspired me to cover the Allahabad Kumbh Mela in 2013,” he said.
His work has been exhibited twice at Mumbai’s prestigious Jehangir Art Gallery, featuring themes like the Kumbh Mela and India’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Painting, another avenue of expression, serves as his stress-buster. “I started painting in 3rd grade, and it’s something I turn to whenever I find time. From landscapes to portraits, each piece reflects my mood and surroundings,” he said.
BALANCING THE PROFESSIONAL AND THE PERSONAL
Managing time for such diverse pursuits might seem impossible, but Singal sees it as an integral part of his life. “Whenever I get a break, even if it’s just a few minutes, I pick up my brush or camera. It’s not about finding time; it’s about making the most of it,” he explained.
His professional journey is equally remarkable. As a United Nations officer, he served as the Chief of War Crime Investigations, handling cases of genocide and migration. “Working with an international team taught me a lot. It broadened my perspective and allowed me to share my own ideas with experts from across the globe,” he told Indian Masterminds.
INSPIRING THROUGH ACTION
For Singal, the secret to balancing his demanding profession with his creative and athletic pursuits lies in mental discipline. “I meditate every morning, visualize my goals, and practice self-talk. These habits have helped me not just in endurance sports but also in navigating the complexities of policing,” he said.
At 50 and beyond, Ravinder Singal continues to push boundaries, proving that life’s challenges—whether on the field, at the desk, or in open water—can be met head-on with the right mindset and a passion for excellence.
