Unwinding with Shikha Goel
THE TOP TELANGANA COP SHARES GLIMPSES OF HER FAVOURITE PURSUITS WHEN SHE’S NOT IN UNIFORM
“I KEEP OFF DARK STUFF AND TOO MUCH VIOLENCE ON SCREEN. I LOVE MOVIES THAT WE CAN ENJOY SITTING TOGETHER AS A FAMILY,
I LIKE THE GREAT OUTDOORS, NOT NECESSARILY THE TOURIST HOTSPOTS, BUT THE OFFBEAT ONES WHERE NOT MANY PEOPLE ARE AROUND. THERE ARE ALSO A COUPLE OF PLACES IN INDIA THAT I HAVE ON MY LIST OF ‘MUST SEE AND MUST STAY’ PLACES. I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING ENOUGH FREE TIME SOMEDAY TO MAKE THESE VISITS
During her growing up years, Shikha Goel was quite an introvert. Besides her siblings and a cousin (four children in all), the Delhi girl’s companions were Nancy Drew, Enid Blyton and Danielle Steel. Once in a while, Archie and Richie Rich too would find a place in her study. Fast forward to the present — Shikha barely manages to squeeze some time to read.
SOFT-SPOKEN YET FIRM
This woman IPS officer from the Telangana cadre is now super-busy investigating complex cases, curbing crime and putting criminals behind bars. The softspoken yet firm lady comes across as a sensitive, compassionate super-cop, who places a high premium on integrity — a rare commodity in the times we live in. “My childhood was mostly spent in Delhi. We were given full freedom to be outdoors. However, to go to a friend’s house, we would require permission. I remember that the first time I actually visited the house of a friend on my own was when I was in 9th grade. My first movie outing without adults accompanying us was when I was in the 11th grade,” smiles the 1994 batch IPS officer.
IT IS NOT A 9 TO 5 JOB
In her present posting as Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Goel is keeping a close eye on corrupt government officials. She was recently transferred to the watchdog agency after a successful stint as Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes), Hyderabad City Police, during which several key investigations were conducted and major gangs busted under her direct supervision, including a multi-crore Online gaming racket involving a Chinese national, who was arrested by her team from New Delhi airport.
“The nature of our work is very different from other work. It is not a 9 to 5 job. Hence, I am constantly innovating to make time for all the important things in my life,” she reveals. “My job comes with stress which cannot be avoided,” says Shikha. “If I feel my stress levels going up, I practice active detachment to the extent possible. I try to step away from the trigger or triggers that are generating stress and try to focus on one thing at a time.”
“I DO NOT GET ENOUGH TIME TO READ. BUT DURING MY COVID CONVALESCENCE BREAK, MY DAUGHTER INTRODUCED ME TO HARRY POTTER. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT AND FINISHED THE ENTIRE SERIES.”
KIDS ARE MAGICAL BEINGS
For the officer, who feels that it can get physically and mentally dangerous if one does not learn how to manage stress at the workplace, her two children – Yutika and Tavashya – are her biggest stress busters. “When I hug them, I feel stress disappears automatically. I think children are the magical beings gifted to parents by the Almighty. Their presence helps us in so many ways. If I were to prioritize, I would always spend the little time available with my kids,” says the officer.
Shikha also tries breathing exercises and meditation to relieve stress. “My way of managing stress includes creative self-awareness, whereby I am constantly monitoring my responses to find out if I may be acting out of stress or I am normal,” she shares. And, if all else fails, there is always some rom-com or a musical to watch on some OTT platform. “A retro Hindi number from my growing up years too helps,” she laughs.
“IF I HAD NOT BECOME AN IPS OFFICER, I WOULD HAVE BEEN A FORESTER. I HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR THAT SERVICE AND BELIEVE THAT THEY PROTECT THE MOST VULNERABLE AREAS OF OUR VALUABLE ECOSYSTEM”
LOVE FOR BOOKS
Shikha, who is married to Vijay Kumar, also an IPS officer, makes it a point to stay updated on latest developments across the globe through e-news sites. “My reading now consists of an odd Management book. A copy of The Daily Drucker is my favourite read,” says the IPS officer, who previously had a stint with CISF in New Delhi.
IF NOT AN IPS WOULD HAVE BEEN A FORESTER
Shikha also wishes to spend time with her father, but since he lives in Delhi, she hardly gets to meet him. “There are other relatives and people who have had a positive influence in my life. While I keep in touch with them over phone and messaging platforms, I do not get enough time to physically visit them,” she rues.
Shikha’s first All India Service was not with the IPS. It was the Indian Forest Service. “I’m a postgraduate in Botany and I loved spending time with plants. If I had not become an IPS officer, I would have been a forester,” she says. She however, chose IPS as it provides her with the chance of direct interaction with a larger set of citizens, enabling her to impact more lives.
IN LOVE WITH MUFFINS AND BLACK FOREST
We ask if she’s hooked on fitness. “Though I am on the lazier side, I spend some time every day on my cardio and fitness,” she replies. “Some days, it’s a mix of running and yoga. Whenever I have time, I hit the gym for some technical workouts. But there is no fixed routine.” The IPS officer is frugal when it comes to eating. “While I absolutely love muffins and Black Forest pastries, I make it a point to exercise. Of course, there are days when I give in to my cravings and we have a ball consuming junk food. But I think moderation is the key,” she smiles.
MUSIC BRINGS POSITIVITY
The super-cop is also into music. “Nietzsche once said that without music, life would be a mistake. Music brings positivity, reduces stress and connects human hearts like nothing else. The only time I get to listen to music is when I am travelling in my car. There is always some radio station or Spotify playing,” reveals the officer, adding that she has an eclectic taste in music and loves everything from Bollywood Retro to Platinum Oldies, DMB and Coldplay. She is not a big fan of heavy metal or Hip-Hop though.
Shikha Goel is a movie-buff as well. Her favourite screen genres are romantic comedies and documentaries. “I keep off dark stuff and too much violence on screen. I love movies that we can enjoy sitting together as a family,” she says.