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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
<!--NOTE: please do not add the title "Dr" to her name: see [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style (biographies)#Academic titles]]-->
<!--NOTE: please do not add the title "Dr" to her name: see [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style (biographies)#Academic titles]]-->
|[[File:kiran11.jpg]]
| name = '''Kiran Bedi'''
| name = '''Kiran Bedi'''
| image =Kiran Bedi at the SWIM Conference.JPG
| image = Kiran Bedi at the SWIM Conference.JPG
|caption =Bedi at the "Successful Women in Management" (SWIM) conference, 2007
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1949|6|9}}<ref name="rmaf" />
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1949|6|9}}<ref name="rmaf" />
| birth_place = [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab, India]]
| birth_place = [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab, India]]
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|religion = [[Hinduism]]<ref name="rmaf" />
|religion = [[Hinduism]]<ref name="rmaf" />
| occupation = [[Indian Police Service|IPS Officer]] (1972–2007)<br>Social activist
| occupation = [[Indian Police Service|IPS Officer]] (1972–2007)<br>Social activist
|alma_mater = [[Panjab University, Chandigarh]]<br>[[University of Delhi]]<br>[[IIT Delhi]]
|alma_mater = [[Panjab University, Chandigarh]]<br>[[University of Delhi]]<br>
| awards = {{Awd|[[United Nations Medal]]|2004}}{{Awd|Ramon Magsaysay Award|1994}}{{Awd|President’s Gallantry Award|1979}}
| awards = {{Awd|[[United Nations Medal]]|2004}}{{Awd|Ramon Magsaysay Award|1994}}{{Awd|President’s Gallantry Award|1979}}
| website = [http://www.kiranbedi.com/ Kiran Bedi]
| website = [http://www.kiranbedi.com/ Kiran Bedi]
}}
}}


⚫
'''Kiran Bedi''' ([[Punjabi language|Punjab]]:ਕਿਰਣ ਬੇਦੀ) (born 9 June 1949) is an [[Indian people|Indian]] social activist and a retired [[Indian Police Service]] (IPS) [[Civil Services of India|officer]].<ref name="rmaf" /> Bedi joined the police service in 1972 and become the first woman officer in the IPS.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kiran Bedi quits police force, takes voluntary retirement|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kiran-bedi-quits-police-force-takes-voluntary-retirement/53100-3.html|publisher=CNN-IBN|accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Bedi held the post of [[Director General of Police|Director General]] at the [[Bureau of Police Research and Development]] before she voluntarily retired from the IPS in December 2007.<ref>[http://www.ibnlive.com/news/kiran-bedi-quits-police-force-takes-voluntary-retirement/53100-3.html CNN-IBN, Kiran Bedi quits police force, takes voluntary retirement]. Ibnlive.com. Retrieved on 2011-10-16.</ref> Bedi was the host and judge of the popular TV series "[[Aap Ki Kachehri]]" (English, "Your Court"), which is based on real-life disputes and provides a platform for settling disputes between consenting parties.<ref>{{cite web|title=Courting trouble|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Courting-trouble/395318|publisher=Indian Express|accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref>


⚫
'''Kiran Bedi''' ([[Punjabi language|Punjab]]:ਕਿਰਣ ਬੇਦੀ) (born 9 June 1949) is a retired officer of the Indian Police Services.She is an [[Indian people|Indian]] social activist and first women ranked into the IPS cader of India. [[Indian Police Service]] (IPS) [[Civil Services of India|officer]].<ref name="rmaf" /> Bedi joined the police service in 1972 and become the first woman officer in the IPS.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kiran Bedi quits police force, takes voluntary retirement|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kiran-bedi-quits-police-force-takes-voluntary-retirement/53100-3.html|publisher=CNN-IBN|accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Bedi held the post of [[Director General of Police|Director General]] at the [[Bureau of Police Research and Development]] before she voluntarily retired from the IPS in December 2007.<ref>[http://www.ibnlive.com/news/kiran-bedi-quits-police-force-takes-voluntary-retirement/53100-3.html CNN-IBN, Kiran Bedi quits police force, takes voluntary retirement]</ref>
⚫
She has also founded two [[NGO]]s in India: the Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation for welfare and preventative policing in 1988<ref name=Nav>[http://www.navjyoti.org.in/certificate-registration.asp Official website Navjyoti]. Navjyoti.org.in (2011-10-08). Retrieved on 2011-10-16.</ref> which was later renamed as the Navjyoti India Foundation in 2007, and the India Vision Foundation for prison reformation, drug abuse prevention and child welfare in 1994.<ref>[http://www.indiavisionfoundation.org/ India Vision Foundation Official website]. Indiavisionfoundation.org. Retrieved on 2011-10-16.</ref> Bedi was awarded [[Ramon Magsaysay award]] in 1994 for Government service.<ref>{{cite web|title=The 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service|url=http://www.rmaf.org.ph/Awardees/Citation/CitationBediKir.htm|publisher=Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation|accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref>

⚫
She is the founder of two [[NGO]]s in India: The Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation for welfare and preventative policing in 1988<ref name=Nav>[http://www.navjyoti.org.in/certificate-registration.asp Official website Navjyoti]</ref> which was later renamed as the Navjyoti India Foundation in 2007, and the India Vision Foundation for prison reformation, drug abuse prevention and child welfare in 1994.<ref>[http://www.indiavisionfoundation.org/ India Vision Foundation Official website]</ref> Bedi was awarded [[Ramon Magsaysay award]] in 1994 for Government service.<ref>{{cite web|title=The 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service|url=http://www.rmaf.org.ph/Awardees/Citation/CitationBediKir.htm|publisher=Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation|accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
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==Career==
==Career==
She began her career as a [[Lecturer]] in Political Science (1970–72) at Khalsa College for Women, Amritsar. In July 1972, she joined the [[Indian Police Service]], becoming the first woman to do so.<ref name="First female police officer">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7115753.stm First female police officer] BBC News, Delhi, Tuesday, 27 November 2007.</ref> Bedi joined the police service "because of [her] urge to be outstanding".<ref>[http://www.kiranbedi.com/whyips.htm What made me join the IPS?]. Kiranbedi.com. Retrieved on 2011-10-16.</ref>
She began her career as a [[Lecturer]] in Political Science (1970–72) at Khalsa College for Women, Amritsar. In July 1972, she joined the [[Indian Police Service]], becoming the first woman ever to do so.<ref name="First female police officer">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7115753.stm First female police officer] BBC News, Delhi, Tuesday, 27 November 2007.</ref> Bedi joined the police service "because of [her] urge to be outstanding".<ref>[http://www.kiranbedi.com/whyips.htm What made me join the IPS?]</ref>

⚫
While at IPS, she served in a number of tough assignments ranging from [[New Delhi]] traffic postings, Deputy Inspector General of Police in [[Mizoram]], Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of [[Chandigarh]], Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau, to a [[United Nations]] delegation, where she became the Civilian Police Advisor in United Nations peacekeeping operations.<ref>[http://www.un.org/Pubs/chronicle/2003/webArticles/073003_kiranbedi.html Interview with Kiran Bedi] Un Chronicle, January 2003.</ref> For her work in the UN, she was awarded a UN medal.<ref>[http://www.iloveindia.com/indian-heroes/kiran-bedi.html Indian Heros] Kiran Bedi at iloveindia.</ref> She is popularly referred to as ''Crane Bedi'' for towing the Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]]'s car for a parking violation,<ref name="First female police officer"/> during the PM's tour of United States at the time.<ref name=oneindia/>


<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:traffcepose1.jpg|thumb|right|News article on Bedi towing PM's car for violation]] -->
⚫
She served in a number of tough assignments ranging from [[New Delhi]] traffic postings, Deputy Inspector General of Police in [[Mizoram]], Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of [[Chandigarh]], Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau, to a [[United Nations]] delegation, where she became the Civilian Police Advisor in United Nations peacekeeping operations.<ref>[http://www.un.org/Pubs/chronicle/2003/webArticles/073003_kiranbedi.html Interview with Kiran Bedi] Un Chronicle, January 2003.</ref> For her work in the UN, she was awarded a UN medal.<ref>[http://www.iloveindia.com/indian-heroes/kiran-bedi.html Indian Heros] Kiran Bedi at iloveindia.</ref> She is popularly referred to as ''Crane Bedi'' for towing the Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]]'s car for a parking violation,<ref name="First female police officer"/> during the PM's tour of United States at the time.<ref name=oneindia/>


Kiran Bedi influenced several decisions of the Indian Police Service, particularly in the areas of [[narcotics]] control, [[Traffic (locational)|traffic management]], and VIP security. During her stint as the Inspector General of Prisons, in [[Tihar Jail]] (Delhi) (1993–1995), she instituted a number of reforms in the management of the prison, and initiated a number of measures such as detoxification programs, [[Art of Living Foundation]] Prison Courses,<ref>[http://www.artofliving.org/in-en/prison-program-home Prison SMART Program | Stress management | Rehabilitation Training]. The Art of Living (2011-10-10). Retrieved on 2011-10-16.</ref> [[yoga]], [[Vipassana|vipassana meditation]], Murat redressing of complaints by prisoners and literacy programs.<ref>[http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate-uk/2010/03/04/kirin-bedi-on-being-indias-first-woman-police-officer/ Kiran Bedi on being India’s first woman police officer]. Reuters , Mar 4, 2010</ref> For this she won the 1994 [[Ramon Magsaysay Award]], and the 'Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship', to write about her work at Tihar Jail.<ref name=nila/>
Kiran Bedi improved several processes at the Indian Police Service, particularly in the areas of [[narcotics]] control, [[Traffic (locational)|traffic management]], and VIP security. During her stint as the Inspector General of Prisons, in [[Tihar Jail]] (Delhi) (1993–1995), she instituted a number of reforms in the management of the prison, and initiated a number of measures such as detoxification programs, [[Art of Living Foundation]] Prison Courses,<ref>http://www.artofliving.org/in-en/prison-program-home</ref> [[yoga]], [[Vipassana|vipassana meditation]], Murat redressing of complaints by prisoners and literacy programs.<ref>http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate-uk/2010/03/04/kirin-bedi-on-being-indias-first-woman-police-officer/
Kiran Bedi on being India’s first woman police officer Reuters , July,2010.</ref> For this she won the 1994 [[Ramon Magsaysay Award]], and the 'Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship', to write about her work at Tihar Jail.<ref name=nila/>


She was last appointed as Director General of India's [[Bureau of Police Research and Development]].
She was last appointed as Director General of India's [[Bureau of Police Research and Development]].


In May 2005, she was awarded an honorary degree of [[Doctor of Law]] in recognition of her “humanitarian approach to prison reforms and policing”.<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=816ce264-2146-4f8f-ab5e-44f377ec0945&&Headline=Kiran+Bedi's+profile Kiran Bedi's profile] The Hindustan Times, July 25, 2007.</ref>
In May 2005, she was awarded an honorary degree of [[Doctor of Law]] in recognition of her “humanitarian approach to prison reforms and policing” and has received many honors for the cause .<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=816ce264-2146-4f8f-ab5e-44f377ec0945&&Headline=Kiran+Bedi's+profile Kiran Bedi's profile] The Hindustan Times, July 25, 2007.</ref>


On 27 November 2007, she expressed her wish to voluntarily retire from the police force to undertake new challenges in life. On 25 December 2007, the Government of India agreed to relieve Bedi of her duties as Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development.
On 27 November 2007, she expressed her wish to voluntarily retire from the police force to undertake new challenges in life. On 25 December 2007, the Government of India agreed to relieve Bedi of her duties as Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development.

As reported in Newspapers widely, and her biography I Dare, she was know to be a disciplinarian and as an officer believed that no one is above law. She once awarded a parking ticket to the then Prime Ministers car which had parked in a no parking zone and disturbed traffic movement. It is known as an act of fairness unusual in India where rules were bent for big politicians. She was under target of some violators and defaulter who then got her transferred for duty to A prison called Tihar which was difficult to manage. There she took up the task with dedication and made lots of improvements to the jail administration. She was thus nick named Crane Bedi.<ref>http://www.ted.com/talks/kiran_bedi_a_police_chief_with_a_difference.html </ref>


==Social initiatives==
==Social initiatives==
Kiran Bedi along with 17 other police officers set up Navjyoti India Foundation (NIF) in 1987,<ref name=Nav/> NIF started with a de-addiction and rehabilitation initiative for the drug addicts and now the organization has expanded to other social issue like illiteracy and women empowerment.<ref name=Nav/> In 1994 Bedi setup India Vision Foundation which works in field of police reforms, prison reforms, women empowerment and rural and community development.<ref>{{cite web|title=India Vision Foundation – Objective being to save the NEXT VICTIM|url=http://www.indiavisionfoundation.org/objectives.asp|accessdate=10 September 2011}}</ref>
[[File:Kiran Bedi at the SWIM Conference.JPG|thumb|right|150px|Bedi at a "Successful Women in Management" (SWIM) conference, 2007]] Kiran Bedi along with 17 other police officers set up Navjyoti India Foundation (NIF) in 1987,<ref name=Nav/> NIF started with a de-addiction and rehabilitation initiative for the drug addicts and now the organization has expanded to other social issue like illiteracy and women empowerment.<ref name=Nav/> In 1994 Bedi setup India Vision Foundation which works in field of police reforms, prison reforms, women empowerment and rural and community development.<ref>{{cite web|title=India Vision Foundation - Objective being to save the NEXT VICTIM|url=http://www.indiavisionfoundation.org/objectives.asp|accessdate=10 September 2011}}</ref>
Her efforts have won national and international recognition, and her organizations were awarded the "Serge Soitiroff Memorial Award" for drug abuse prevention by the United Nations.{{cn|date=September 2011}}
Her efforts have won national and international recognition, and her organizations were awarded the "Serge Soitiroff Memorial Award" for drug abuse prevention by the United Nations.{{cn|date=September 2011}}


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|-
|-
! Year !! Name of Award or Honor !! Awarding Organization !! References
! Year !! Name of Award or Honor !! Awarding Organization !! References
|-
| 2011
| Vicenna Leadership Award for her “innate ability” to inspire others towards leadership
| [[Avicenna leadership academy]]
| <ref>http://www.dayandnightnews.com/2011/10/kiran-bedi-to-get-dutch-award/</ref>
|-
|-
| 2011
| 2011
| Bharatiya Manavata Vikas Puraskar
| Bharatiya Manavata Vikas Puraskar
| [[Indian Institute of Planning and Management]]
| [[Indian Institute of Planning and Management]]
| <ref>[http://www.businessandeconomy.org/14042011/storyd.asp?sid=6066&pageno=1 India's Most Influential Business and Economy Magazine – IIPM Celebrates Selfless Service]. Business and Economy. Retrieved on 2011-10-16.</ref>
| <ref>http://www.businessandeconomy.org/14042011/storyd.asp?sid=6066&pageno=1</ref>
|-
|-
| 2010
| 2010
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|}
|}


==Talks and Motivationals ==
==Controversies==
Kiran Bedi has been an honourable speaker at many forums including the TEDwoman.<ref>http://www.ted.com/talks/kiran_bedi_a_police_chief_with_a_difference.html</ref>
In July 1994, Kiran Bedi, the then Inspector-General of Prisons of Tihar Jail was pulled up by the [[Supreme Court of India]] for ignoring the apex court directives for providing medical attention to a foreign under-trial prisoner by initiating contempt proceedings against her. She escaped from punishment despite being heavily reprimanded, in view of her winning the Magsasay Award, the court exonerating her from further proceedings.<ref>[http://www.rmaf.org.ph/madc/archive/files/newspaper-clippings-2-10_d26c8b864e.pdf Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation: Magsaysay Awardees Digital Collection]</ref> In 1988 Wadhwa Commission criticized Bedi for her role in lathi-charge on lawyers protesting against a colleague’s arrest outside Bedi’s office.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lawyers renew Bedi battle|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050824/asp/nation/story_5148897.asp|accessdate=9 September 2011|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=Wednesday, August 24, 2005}}</ref> [[Karan Thapar]], host of many popular interview shows published an article on controversies surrounding Bedi after she pulled out of one of Thapar's interview show.<ref>{{cite news|last=Thapar|first=Karan|title=Ten questions for Kiran Bedi|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Ten-questions-for-Kiran-Bedi/Article1-240600.aspx|accessdate=9 September 2011|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=August 04, 2007}}</ref>
[[File:tedbedi.jpg|thumb|right|Bedi at TED]]

Bedi was criticized for being a hardliner in the negotiations with government over Lokpal bill.<ref>{{cite web|title=The negotiators, their role|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-negotiators-their-role/838153/2|publisher=Indian Express|accessdate=30 August 2011}}</ref> Later members of parliament proposed to bring a breach of privilege motion against Kiran Bedi and a few other activists for allegedly mocking the parliamentarians during the lokpal bill protests,<ref>{{cite web|title=Om Puri and Kiran Bedi to get Privilege Motion notices from Parliament|url=http://www.indiasummary.com/2011/08/29/om-puri-and-kiran-bedi-to-get-privilege-motion-notices-from-parliament|publisher=India Summary|accessdate=10 September 2011}}</ref> however withdrew the notice later.<ref>{{cite news|title=Congress MP withdraws privilege notice against Anna's aides|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Congress-MP-withdraws-privilege-notice-against-Annas-aides/articleshow/9904549.cms|accessdate=10 September 2011|newspaper=Times of India|date=Sep 8, 2011}}</ref>

==In films and literature==
==In films and literature==
A non fiction feature film on Kiran Bedi's life, ''Yes Madam, Sir'', has been produced by Australian film maker, Megan Doneman. This film is being screened in film festivals around the world. Its commentator is an Academy Award winner, [[Helen Mirren]]. Kiran Bedi was present during its screenings in Toronto, Dubai and Adelaide, and to address the Q&A sessions at the end of each show.
A non fiction feature film on Kiran Bedi's life, ''Yes Madam, Sir'', has been produced by Australian film maker, Megan Doneman. This film is being screened in film festivals around the world. Its commentator is an Academy Award winner, [[Helen Mirren]]. Kiran Bedi was present during its screenings in Toronto, Dubai and Adelaide, and to address the Q&A sessions at the end of each show.
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In 2006, Norwegian Mpower Film & Media and film maker Oystein Rakkenes released another documentary on Bedi and her prison revolution in Tihar Central Jail, ''In Gandhi's footsteps''. The film was awarded Best Documentary at the Indo-American Film Festival in Atlanta, in November 2006.
In 2006, Norwegian Mpower Film & Media and film maker Oystein Rakkenes released another documentary on Bedi and her prison revolution in Tihar Central Jail, ''In Gandhi's footsteps''. The film was awarded Best Documentary at the Indo-American Film Festival in Atlanta, in November 2006.


Kiran Bedi also became host in 2009–10 on the TV show ''Aap Ki Kachehri Kiran Ke Saath'' on Star Plus.
Kiran Bedi also became host in 2009-10 on the TV show ''Aap Ki Kachehri Kiran Ke Saath'' on Star Plus.


Biographies of Bedi:
Biographies of Bedi:
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==See also==
==See also==

* [[Jan Lokpal Bill]]
* [[Jan Lokpal Bill]]


Revision as of 13:07, 16 October 2011

Kiran Bedi
Born (1949-06-09) June 9, 1949 (age 75)[1]
Amritsar, Punjab, India
NationalityIndian
Alma materPanjab University, Chandigarh
University of Delhi
Occupation(s)IPS Officer (1972–2007)
Social activist
AwardsUnited Nations Medal
2004
Ramon Magsaysay Award
1994
President’s Gallantry Award
1979
WebsiteKiran Bedi


Kiran Bedi (Punjab:ਕਿਰਣ ਬੇਦੀ) (born 9 June 1949) is a retired officer of the Indian Police Services.She is an Indian social activist and first women ranked into the IPS cader of India. Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.[1] Bedi joined the police service in 1972 and become the first woman officer in the IPS.[2] Bedi held the post of Director General at the Bureau of Police Research and Development before she voluntarily retired from the IPS in December 2007.[3]

She is the founder of two NGOs in India: The Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation for welfare and preventative policing in 1988[4] which was later renamed as the Navjyoti India Foundation in 2007, and the India Vision Foundation for prison reformation, drug abuse prevention and child welfare in 1994.[5] Bedi was awarded Ramon Magsaysay award in 1994 for Government service.[6]

Early life and education

Kiran Bedi was born in Amritsar, Punjab, India. She is the second of four daughters of Prakash Peshawaria and Prem Peshawaria. Her three sisters are; Shashi, an artist settled in Canada, Reeta, a clinical psychologist and writer, and Anu, a lawyer. [citation needed]

She attended the Sacred Heart Convent School, Amritsar, where she joined the National Cadet Corps(NCC). She took up tennis, a passion she inherited from her father, a tennis player.[1] She won the Junior National Lawn Tennis Championship in 1966, the Asian Lawn Tennis Championship in 1972, and the All-India Interstate Women's Lawn Tennis Championship in 1976.[7] In addition, she also won the All-Asian Tennis Championship, and won the Asian Ladies Title at the age of 22.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English (Hons.) from the Government College for Women, Amritsar in 1968. She then earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from Punjab University, Chandigarh, graduating at the top of her class in 1970. She later obtained Bachelor of Laws in 1988 from University of Delhi. In 1993, she obtained a Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the Department of Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi,[8] where the topic of her thesis was 'Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence'.[9]

In 1972, Kiran Bedi married Brij Bedi,[1] a textile machine manufacturer whom she met at the Amritsar tennis courts. Neither of them were particularly religious, so they married in a quasi-religious ceremony at a local Shiva temple.[1] Three years later, in 1975, they had daughter Saina, who is now also involved in community service. In one of her lectures to a corporate meeting, Kiran Bedi expressed her belief that everyone in society has an important role to play which will enable others to fulfill their duties (or important tasks), quoting the example of her uneducated housemaid whose help in Bedi's daily household work had helped Bedi to complete an important task of writing a book. [citation needed]

Career

She began her career as a Lecturer in Political Science (1970–72) at Khalsa College for Women, Amritsar. In July 1972, she joined the Indian Police Service, becoming the first woman ever to do so.[10] Bedi joined the police service "because of [her] urge to be outstanding".[11]

While at IPS, she served in a number of tough assignments ranging from New Delhi traffic postings, Deputy Inspector General of Police in Mizoram, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Chandigarh, Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau, to a United Nations delegation, where she became the Civilian Police Advisor in United Nations peacekeeping operations.[12] For her work in the UN, she was awarded a UN medal.[13] She is popularly referred to as Crane Bedi for towing the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's car for a parking violation,[10] during the PM's tour of United States at the time.[8]


Kiran Bedi improved several processes at the Indian Police Service, particularly in the areas of narcotics control, traffic management, and VIP security. During her stint as the Inspector General of Prisons, in Tihar Jail (Delhi) (1993–1995), she instituted a number of reforms in the management of the prison, and initiated a number of measures such as detoxification programs, Art of Living Foundation Prison Courses,[14] yoga, vipassana meditation, Murat redressing of complaints by prisoners and literacy programs.[15] For this she won the 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Award, and the 'Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship', to write about her work at Tihar Jail.[9]

She was last appointed as Director General of India's Bureau of Police Research and Development.

In May 2005, she was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Law in recognition of her “humanitarian approach to prison reforms and policing” and has received many honors for the cause .[16]

On 27 November 2007, she expressed her wish to voluntarily retire from the police force to undertake new challenges in life. On 25 December 2007, the Government of India agreed to relieve Bedi of her duties as Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development.

As reported in Newspapers widely, and her biography I Dare, she was know to be a disciplinarian and as an officer believed that no one is above law. She once awarded a parking ticket to the then Prime Ministers car which had parked in a no parking zone and disturbed traffic movement. It is known as an act of fairness unusual in India where rules were bent for big politicians. She was under target of some violators and defaulter who then got her transferred for duty to A prison called Tihar which was difficult to manage. There she took up the task with dedication and made lots of improvements to the jail administration. She was thus nick named Crane Bedi.[17]

Social initiatives

Bedi at a "Successful Women in Management" (SWIM) conference, 2007

Kiran Bedi along with 17 other police officers set up Navjyoti India Foundation (NIF) in 1987,[4] NIF started with a de-addiction and rehabilitation initiative for the drug addicts and now the organization has expanded to other social issue like illiteracy and women empowerment.[4] In 1994 Bedi setup India Vision Foundation which works in field of police reforms, prison reforms, women empowerment and rural and community development.[18]

Her efforts have won national and international recognition, and her organizations were awarded the "Serge Soitiroff Memorial Award" for drug abuse prevention by the United Nations.[citation needed]

Lokpal Movement

Kiran Bedi is one of the prominent members of the India Against Corruption (IAC) along with Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal. IAC has been actively protesting against corruption and is urging the government of india to enact a strong Lokpal Bill.[19] On August 16 2011, Key members of the India Against Corruption including Bedi were arrested four hours before the planned indefinite hunger strike by Hazare.[20] However, Bedi and other activist were later released in the evening same day.[21] After twelve days of protests and many discussions between the government and the activists, Parliament passed a resolution to consider three points in drafting of Lokpal bill.[22]

Honours and Awards

Year Name of Award or Honor Awarding Organization References
2011 Vicenna Leadership Award for her “innate ability” to inspire others towards leadership Avicenna leadership academy [23]
2011 Bharatiya Manavata Vikas Puraskar Indian Institute of Planning and Management [24]
2010 STAR Parivar Award STAR Plus
2005 Mother Teresa Memorial National Award Indian Development Foundation (IDF)
2004 United Nations Medal United Nations
2002 Woman of the Year Award Blue Drop Group Management, Cultural and Artistic Association, Italy.
1999 Pride of India Award American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI)
1997 Fourth Joseph Beuys Award Germany
1995 Lion of the Year
1995 Father Machismo Humanitarian Award Don Bosco Shrine Office, Bombay-India
1995 Mahila Shiromani Award
1994 Magsaysay Award Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation
1991 Asia Region Award for Drug Prevention and Control International Organisation of Good Templars (IOGT), Norway
1981 Women of the Year Award National Solidarity Weekly, India
1979 President’s Gallantry Award President of India

Talks and Motivationals

Kiran Bedi has been an honourable speaker at many forums including the TEDwoman.[25]

File:Tedbedi.jpg
Bedi at TED

In films and literature

A non fiction feature film on Kiran Bedi's life, Yes Madam, Sir, has been produced by Australian film maker, Megan Doneman. This film is being screened in film festivals around the world. Its commentator is an Academy Award winner, Helen Mirren. Kiran Bedi was present during its screenings in Toronto, Dubai and Adelaide, and to address the Q&A sessions at the end of each show.

The documentary has made a clean sweep of the award categories---“Best Documentary” with a cash award of $100,000, the biggest prize for a documentary in any film festival in the US and the Social Justice Award with $2500 at Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Yes Madam, Sir got a unanimous vote from the jury.

In 2006, Norwegian Mpower Film & Media and film maker Oystein Rakkenes released another documentary on Bedi and her prison revolution in Tihar Central Jail, In Gandhi's footsteps. The film was awarded Best Documentary at the Indo-American Film Festival in Atlanta, in November 2006.

Kiran Bedi also became host in 2009-10 on the TV show Aap Ki Kachehri Kiran Ke Saath on Star Plus.

Biographies of Bedi:

  • I dare!: Kiran Bedi : a biography by Parmesh Dangwal[26]
  • Kiran Bedi, the kindly baton by Meenakshi Saxena[27]

Bibliography

  • It's always possible: transforming one of the largest prisons in the world (1999) by Kiran Bedi[28]
  • "What Went Wrong?", collection of The fortnightly column written by Kiran Bedi.
  • The Motivating Bedi by Kiran Bedi.[9]
  • Government@net: new governance opportunities for India(2001) by Kiran Bedi, Sandeep Srivastava and Parminder Jeet Singh[29]
  • As I see-(2005) by Kiran Bedi[30]
  • Himmat Hai by Kiran Bedi[31]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Kiran Bedi Biography 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee at rmaf.
  2. ^ "Kiran Bedi quits police force, takes voluntary retirement". CNN-IBN. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
  3. ^ CNN-IBN, Kiran Bedi quits police force, takes voluntary retirement
  4. ^ a b c Official website Navjyoti
  5. ^ India Vision Foundation Official website
  6. ^ "The 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service". Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
  7. ^ Kiran Bedi essortment.
  8. ^ a b A Kiran Bedi:Tough Lady In All Male Bastion[dead link] Kiran Bedi at living.oneindia.
  9. ^ a b c Kiran Bedi Celebrities at nilacharal.
  10. ^ a b First female police officer BBC News, Delhi, Tuesday, 27 November 2007.
  11. ^ What made me join the IPS?
  12. ^ Interview with Kiran Bedi Un Chronicle, January 2003.
  13. ^ Indian Heros Kiran Bedi at iloveindia.
  14. ^ http://www.artofliving.org/in-en/prison-program-home
  15. ^ http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate-uk/2010/03/04/kirin-bedi-on-being-indias-first-woman-police-officer/ Kiran Bedi on being India’s first woman police officer Reuters , July,2010.
  16. ^ Kiran Bedi's profile The Hindustan Times, July 25, 2007.
  17. ^ http://www.ted.com/talks/kiran_bedi_a_police_chief_with_a_difference.html
  18. ^ "India Vision Foundation - Objective being to save the NEXT VICTIM". Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  19. ^ "What is the Jan Lokpal Bill, why it's important". NDTV. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  20. ^ "Anna Hazare IS the movement". Rediff. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  21. ^ "Anna Hazare refuses to leave Tihar Jail, says allow fast at JP Park". NDTV. August 17, 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2011.
  22. ^ "Agreed! says Parliament to Anna; fast ends at 10 am". NDTV. August 28, 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2011.
  23. ^ http://www.dayandnightnews.com/2011/10/kiran-bedi-to-get-dutch-award/
  24. ^ http://www.businessandeconomy.org/14042011/storyd.asp?sid=6066&pageno=1
  25. ^ http://www.ted.com/talks/kiran_bedi_a_police_chief_with_a_difference.html
  26. ^ Dangwal, Parmesh (1995). I dare!: Kiran Bedi : a biography. UBS Publishers' Distributors.
  27. ^ Saxena, Meenakshi (2000). Kiran Bedi, the kindly baton. Books India International.
  28. ^ Bedi, Kiran (1999). It's always possible: transforming one of the largest prisons in the world. Indra Publishing. ISBN 0958580537, 9780958580533. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  29. ^ Government@net: new governance opportunities for India. Sage Publications. 2001. ISBN 0761995692, 9780761995692. {{cite book}}: |first= missing |last= (help); Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  30. ^ Bedi, Kiran (2005). As I see-. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. ISBN 8120729382, 9788120729384. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  31. ^ Bedi, Kiran. Himmat Hai. Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd. ISBN 8171829910, 9788171829910. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
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