New Delhi: Nav Goel's journey from humble beginnings to driving innovation in Indian Railways is a testament to determination and growth. His interview with Dr Navneet Anand and Rakesh Singh of Bureaucrats India unveils a path marked by grit, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to service.

Born into modest circumstances, Goel's educational journey started in Bareilly. He pursued a B-Tech in Electrical Engineering from HBTI, Kanpur, graduating in 2011. Initially working at NTPC as an Assistant Manager(Operations), he managed a 210 MW thermal power plant at Singrauli. However, a burning desire for civil services redirected his trajectory. 

Goel started preparing for Civil Services while having his regular job at NTPC. Goel shifted to Delhi in Sep'2014 for a brief period of 3.5 months, preparing ardently for the Civil Services (Mains) examination. In 2014 itself, he achieved his goal, entering the Indian Railway Accounts Services (IRAS). 

His professional voyage commenced as an Assistant Divisional Finance Manager at Bangalore Division, Indian Railways where he was subsequently promoted to Divisional Finance Manager. In these roles, Goel was responsible for analyzing proposals from a financial standpoint, managing tenders of various departments, audit, IT initiatives and implementing the GST framework. His commendable work in the 'Procurement of Energy through Open Access' for South Western Railway was well appreciated. 

Promotions followed rapidly, propelling Goel to the position of Deputy Financial Advisor at the Traffic Account Office. This role entailed overseeing earnings of more than 380 stations spread across 3600 route kms, meticulous auditing, and navigating complex accounts and financial landscapes. Despite the pandemic's constraints, Goel's leadership shone as he along with his dedicated team ensured timely closure of Annual Accounts within the timelines amidst the multifarious challenges brought out by COVID lockdown. This stint was also characterized by a thirst for knowledge, demonstrated when he completed four intensive data analysis courses from MIT during the challenging COVID period.

Today, Nav Goel holds the position of Deputy General Manager at the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited. This role epitomizes his commitment to innovation and transformation, contributing to the monumental task of laying dedicated freight tracks along the golden quadrilateral.

Goel's journey is underpinned by three core principles: clarity of purpose, consistency, and patience. He emphasizes the necessity for bureaucrats to learn continuously, echoing John F Kennedy's sentiment that "learning and leadership are indispensable." Goel's approach to growth is pragmatic, grounded in the understanding that sustained effort is key to success.

As a part of the learning process, he keeps writing newspaper articles and opinions as well. 

Goel's journey encapsulates the essence of growth and innovation in bureaucratic leadership. His story resonates with those treading unconventional paths, underscoring the significance of perpetual learning and unwavering purpose. In his own words, "If you are not learning, you cannot lead," making Goel a beacon of inspiration for all aspiring bureaucrats.