Born: 1949 (Amritsar, East Punjab)
Biography:
Kiran Bedi, PPMG, PNBB, born on 9 June 1949, is a former-tennis player who became the first woman in India to join the officer ranks of the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972 and served as the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry from 28 May 2016 to 16 February 2021. With an illustrious career spanning 35 years, Bedi made significant contributions to law enforcement and social activism in India.
Born into a Punjabi business family in Amritsar, East Punjab, Kiran Bedi was the second child of Prakash Lal Peshawaria and Prem Lata. Her great-great-grandfather, Lala Hargobind, had migrated from Peshawar to Amritsar and established a successful business. Bedi’s upbringing was influenced by both Hindu and Sikh traditions, as her grandmother was Sikh while the rest of her family members were Hindu. Although her family was not particularly religious, her father, Prakash Lal, played tennis and instilled a love for the sport in her.
Bedi’s talent in tennis became evident at a young age, and she was crowned the national junior tennis champion in 1966. This marked the beginning of her successful career in the sport. Between 1965 and 1978, she won numerous titles at various national and state-level championships, establishing herself as one of India’s leading tennis players.
In 1972, Kiran Bedi made history by joining the Indian Police Service as the first female officer. She started her career as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in the Chanakyapuri area of Delhi, where she quickly made a name for herself. Her dedication and commitment to her duties earned her the prestigious President’s Police Medal in 1979.
Throughout her career, Bedi served in various capacities in different regions, including Delhi, Goa, Chandigarh, and Mizoram. In West Delhi, she played a pivotal role in curbing crimes against women, bringing about a significant reduction in the region. As a traffic police officer, she efficiently managed the traffic arrangements for the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1983 in Goa.
One of Bedi’s notable assignments was as the Deputy Commissioner of Police of North Delhi. During this tenure, she launched a campaign against drug abuse, which eventually evolved into the Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation. The foundation, later renamed Navjyoti India Foundation, aimed to provide support and rehabilitation for drug addicts and underprivileged children.
In May 1993, Bedi was appointed as the Inspector General (IG) of the Delhi Prisons, where she introduced several crucial reforms at the notorious Tihar Jail. Her efforts to improve the conditions within the prison and provide rehabilitation programs for inmates led to her being awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1994. Bedi’s reforms brought significant changes to the lives of prisoners and earned her national and international recognition.
In 2003, Kiran Bedi made history once again by becoming the first Indian and first woman to be appointed as the head of the United Nations Police and Police Advisor in the United Nations Department of Peace Operations. Her extensive experience in law enforcement and commitment to human rights made her an invaluable asset in managing global peacekeeping operations. She served in this role until 2007 when she decided to step down and focus on social activism and writing.
Following her retirement, Bedi dedicated herself to various social causes. She established the India Vision Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on prison reform, drug rehabilitation, and empowerment of women and children. Additionally, she hosted the popular television court show, Aap Ki Kachehri, from 2008 to 2011, where she resolved conflicts and disputes in a legal setting.
Kiran Bedi emerged as a prominent leader during the 2011 Indian anti-corruption movement, advocating for transparency and accountability in governance. In January 2015, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and contested the 2015 Delhi Assembly election as the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate, although unsuccessful in her bid.
Throughout her life, Kiran Bedi has been a trailblazer in breaking gender stereotypes and paving the way for women in law enforcement. Her unwavering dedication to public service, tireless efforts to promote human rights, and commitment to social causes have made her an inspiring figure in India’s history.
Awards:
– President’s Police Medal (1979)
– Ramon Magsaysay Award (1994)