Kiran Bedi was born on June 9, 1949, in Amritsar, Punjab. Her father was a senior government officer, and her mother was a housewife. Bedi grew up in a family that valued education and social service. She was inspired to become a police officer after watching a parade of women police officers as a child.
Bedi graduated from the University of Delhi with a degree in English in 1968, and later earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from the same university.
Joining the Indian Police Service:
Bedi joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972, and was the first woman to do so. Bedi was known for her strict disciplinary approach to policing, and was often referred to as the “Crane Bedi” for her habit of towing away illegally parked cars.
In 1993, Bedi was appointed the Inspector General of Prisons in New Delhi, where she introduced several reforms to improve the conditions in jails.
Prison Reforms:
Bedi introduced several reforms to improve the conditions in jails. She started literacy programs and vocational training for prisoners, and also introduced meditation and yoga classes to help inmates deal with stress and anxiety. Bedi’s efforts were recognized by the United Nations, and she was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 1994.
Retirement and Political Career:
Bedi retired from the police force in 2007, and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2015. She contested the Delhi Assembly elections in 2015 as the BJP’s candidate from Krishna Nagar, but was defeated by the Aam Aadmi Party’s S.K. Bagga.
Authorship and Awards:
Bedi has authored several books, including her autobiography “I Dare!” and “Leadership and Governance in Sports”. She has been awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, and the President’s Police Medal for her distinguished service.
Conclusion:
Kiran Bedi is a true inspiration to many people in India, and her contributions to society continue to inspire young people to pursue a career in public service.