Arnav Shivendu, an Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer’s journey is a remarkable blend of intellectual curiosity, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to national service. From excelling in computer science and corporate leadership to shaping financial policies in the Indian Railways and contributing to national security, his career has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence. His deep engagement with defence strategy, operational logistics, and public administration showcases a rare confluence of technical expertise and governance acumen.
A firm believer in the intersection of technology, policy, and strategic affairs, Mr. Shivendu has actively sought to bridge gaps in governance, financial administration, and national security. His experience spans academia, corporate leadership, and public service, making him a dynamic thinker with a clear vision for India’s future.
Currently serving as DFM, Jaipur, Indian Railways, Mr. Shivendu’s contributions go far beyond routine administrative responsibilities. His approach to governance reflects a keen understanding of India’s structural challenges, from workforce welfare in public institutions to military logistics and economic policy.
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATIONS
With a strong foundation in Computer Science, he completed his Bachelor’s degree from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology. His academic prowess was evident early on, earning him the Times Group Sponsored Merit Scholarship in all four years of his graduation, awarded by the Ministry of Defence. His inclination toward research led him to publish a paper titled “Emulation of Shortest Path Algorithm in Software Defined Networking Environment” in the International Journal of Computer Applications, Volume 116/Number 1.
Before joining the civil services, he worked with Dell, a Fortune 500 company, where he gained valuable experience in the corporate sector. However, his calling lay elsewhere, prompting him to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination, where he secured a place in the esteemed IRAS.
STRENGTHENING FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS IN THE RAILWAYS
Mr. Shivendu’s tenure in the Indian Railways has been marked by significant contributions to financial management, policy formulation, and social security frameworks. In his previous role as Assistant Divisional Finance Manager (ADFM) in Ajmer, he handled establishment and settlement matters concerning a workforce of 9,500 employees and 18,000 pensioners. His work involved overseeing pay commissions, labour costs, and welfare policies, including Old Pension and the National Pension System (NPS).
His approach to financial administration is deeply rooted in constitutional principles. Reflecting on his experience, he notes:
“While dealing with Payroll Management and Settlement, including OPS and NPS, I was compelled to revisit Constitutional Articles, including Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy. This reaffirmed my belief in a welfare state driven by merit-based affirmative action, as envisioned in Articles 15 and 16.”
Mr. Shivendu actively engaged with railway unions and associations, including the All India Railway Federation (AIRF), the All India Station Masters’ Association, and SC/ST and OBC Associations. His perspective aligns with the ideals championed by constitutional figures such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
BRIDGING DEFENCE AND LOGISTICS
Beyond his core responsibilities in financial administration, Mr. Shivendu has developed a strong interest in defence and national security. His membership in prestigious think tanks – Associate Member of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) and Lifetime Member of the United Service Institution of India (USI) – illustrates his deep engagement with strategic affairs.
During his service, he collaborated with the Directorate General of Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement (DG OL-SM) at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army). His efforts focused on designing and developing a train-based troop mobilisation war plan to address India’s 2.5-front war dilemma and to initiate the One Border, One Force strategy. Explaining his motivation, he says:
“The 2.5-front war dilemma was first identified by my intellectual guru, Shri K. Subrahmanyam, in the aftermath of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The Kargil War Review Committee, under his leadership, later recommended the concept of One Border, One Force, originally proposed by Shri Madhav Godbole, former Home Secretary of India.”
Mr. Shivendu’s proof of concept involved leveraging railway infrastructure for strategic troop mobilisation, ensuring swift deployment in conflict scenarios. His insights align with global defence trends, including the Integrated Theatre Commands adopted by the United States (PACOM) and China’s five theatre commands.
OPERATIONAL LOGISTICS IN RAILWAYS
His strategic vision extends beyond theoretical frameworks. He actively applies his understanding of operational logistics to his inspections of railway-level crossings, stations, and accounts audits. His philosophy – “One Border, One Force, One Railway” – is a testament to his belief that a well-integrated transport and logistics network can serve as a backbone for national security.
He elaborates:
“When diplomacy fails, war becomes inevitable. Our preparedness must be based on credible deterrence against our nuclear-armed neighbours, China and Pakistan. As Sun Tzu rightly said, ‘The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.’”
EXPLORING THE ARTS
Beyond his official responsibilities, he has explored creative avenues such as theatre. During his probation period in the Railways, he performed a cameo in an indie film titled “RIHA,” inspired by the director’s mother’s autobiographical account of Triple Talaq. The film had its world premiere at India’s only Oscar-qualifying festival, the Bangalore International Short Film Festival (BISFF), and its international premiere at Tasveer in Seattle, the world’s only South Asian Oscar-qualifying festival. It was also an official selection at the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF).
A SCHOLAR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Mr. Shivendu’s intellectual pursuits are deeply influenced by political philosophy and international relations. During his UPSC preparation, he was particularly drawn to Plato’s Ideal State and the writings of K. Subrahmanyam on national security. He strongly believes that civil servants and the media must uphold constitutional values impartially, even at personal risk.
His reflections on governance and public service were shaped by extensive discussions with his batchmates from various services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, and Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ services. His curiosity led him to visit key institutions such as the Army War College, IDSA, USI, and the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), beyond his routine probation at LBSNAA and railway institutions. These experiences provided him with a well-rounded perspective on the structural challenges within the Indian bureaucracy.
ADDRESSING CHALLENGES IN CIVIL SERVICES
His interactions with civil servants across cadres revealed some of the common challenges plaguing India’s administrative framework – inadequate salaries, politicisation, caste-based discrimination, lack of leaves, fratricide, and corruption. Understanding these systemic issues has only strengthened his resolve to contribute meaningfully to governance.
IRAS officer Arnav Shivendu’s journey – from a corporate professional to an IRAS officer with a strong strategic vision – exemplifies his commitment to nation-building. His work in financial administration, national security, and defence logistics underscores his multifaceted approach to public service.
With his diverse expertise, he aims to integrate technological advancements in railway finance and logistics, ensuring efficiency and strategic preparedness.
