Daijiworld Media Network - Prayagraj
Prayagraj, May 30: Shakti Dubey, who has secured all India rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, credits her formative years at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), her passion for policy debates, and exposure to the idea of public service as crucial factors that shaped her journey.
Hailing from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Shakti's story stands out not just for her academic excellence but for the experiences and values that influenced her career path. The daughter of a police officer, Devendra Kumar Dubey, and a homemaker, she was raised in a typical Indian household, yet developed an outlook that was both thoughtful and service-oriented.
Shakti pursued her higher education at BHU in Varanasi, where she resided in the hostel. The environment of open discussions and spirited campus debates played a significant role in nurturing her interest in policy and governance. She went on to head the university’s student debating committee, which she considers a turning point in developing her analytical and leadership skills.
“I have always been curious about how systems work — and how they can be improved,” she said during one of her mock interviews.
Her commitment to civil services was not just rooted in academics but also in lived experiences. A late-night walk across campus, where she saw a police patrol van ensuring students’ safety, left a lasting impression on her. “That simple feeling of safety — created by public service — deeply moved me,” she said. Conversations at home further strengthened her resolve, aligning both her emotional instincts and logical thinking towards a career in civil services.
Shakti, who enjoys writing poetry, is known for her clear thinking and sharp articulation. While she brings empathy and creativity to the table, she is equally forthright in her views. She has been vocal about outdated systems, especially in the policing sector.
“The Indian police continues to operate under the colonial Police Act of 1861. It was created for control, not for service. Reforms should begin at the grassroots — with constables — through sensitisation and community engagement,” she observed.
When asked about the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in states like Uttar Pradesh, she opined that rural women are often disadvantaged under existing personal laws. “A Uniform Civil Code can help ensure equal rights for women and protect them from domestic violence and dowry harassment,” she said. However, she added that such reforms must be introduced gradually and only after wide consultation with all stakeholders.
Shakti had opted for International Relations as her optional subject in the UPSC examination. Her understanding of global issues is evident in her perspectives on climate diplomacy and foreign affairs. She acknowledged India’s leadership in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, especially in its engagement with island nations vulnerable to climate change.
On Indo-Pak relations, she offered a measured view. “If political parties like the Muslim League gain prominence in Pakistan, it could revive structured dialogue mechanisms, as was seen in the past,” she said.
Beyond academics and administration, Shakti remains a poet at heart. Reflecting on her journey, she quoted, “The cracks were the real weakness of those walls. But the cracks were also the reason the light entered.” For her, every flaw is an opportunity — a gateway to growth and transformation.
Shakti’s journey is a testament to how personal experiences, coupled with intellectual curiosity and public spirit, can lay the foundation for meaningful leadership in public service.