Women should fight for justice

From a police officer to Indian Public Service, it’s IPS all the same

Modi can bring in a total change in the country at all levels

Decorated with many national and international awards and recognitions including a United Nations Medal, Ramon Magsaysay Award, and President’s Gallantry Award, Dr Kiran Bedi, India’s first and highest ranking woman officer joined the Indian Police Service in 1972. Her experience and expertise include more than 35 years of tough, innovative, and challenging tasks.

Her firm convictions, brisk pronunciations and activism have made her a favourite among the masses. In a freewheeling chat with Lata Jain, the no-nonsense and tough former police officer, who was in Hyderabad, speaks on a variety of issues.

What is your philosophy of life and mantra to success?

Philosophy of life is effort and gratitude and I am a product of these two traits.

Women all over the world admire you. Who has been your role model?

Role models are not people. They are thoughts. They are experiences. My parents too are my role models. I have great admiration for them. Then there are books and individuals, national heroes, freedom fighters who inspire.

Your comments on sexual harassment at work place?

They must see the early signs. One must check the first signs. Early prevention is better than final cure. Women should know who to approach, where to complain and fight for justice. But prevention is always better.

What is your identity: IPS officer, visionary, social worker, role model, social activist?

A bit of all. People identify me with my project. Some identify me with the prisoner education project while some identify me with the galli school project. Most people do not know about the other programmes that I am engaged in. It varies from person to person. Some identify me for having written a book, and others identify me with a television channel. So, it varies.

What are the qualities you admire in the younger generation?

They have aspirations. They have dreams. They are looking for excitement, achievement, to grow and lead. They are not settling for anything less, they are looking for more. This is a dil maange more generation. They are looking for progress.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal recently offered you chief ministerial candidacy for Delhi, which you declined. Why?

By nature I am apolitical. I want to fight from outside like Annaji (Anna Hazare). I was an IPS officer for 35 years. Now I am into Indian Public Service.

Do you think if Modi becomes the Prime minister it will benefit India?

He has practical experience of governance. He has something to offer to the country. There is something about him. People are looking for an effective system of governance. He will bring in a change in the country at all levels.

What are your expectations of Narendra Modi if he comes to power?

I expect three things from him: He should give the country a strong Lokpal, he should abide by the Supreme Court judgment in not supporting convicted/criminal elected representatives to contest elections. Emphasis on economic development should be given top priority.