A CONVERSATION WITH KIRAN BEDI

FICCI FLO KOLKATA invited Dr. Kiran Bedi for an interactive session, ‘To Learn, Explore, Upskill, Grow, and Uplift Others’. The session was held at the Park Hotel on 13th September, 2023.

India’s first woman Police Officer and first woman IPS Officer was warmly welcomed by President Radhika Dalmia. Dr. Bedi was introduced by Past President Sunita Kanoria. She described how India’s iron lady extensively worked against drugs and for prisoners’ welfare.

She referred to Dr. Bedi being the first Indian and first woman to be appointed head of the United Nations Police and Police Advisor in the United Nations Department of Peace Operations. “She has broken barriers for women in law enforcement, and women everywhere.”

A slideshow was presented highlighting some of the poignant moments in Dr. Bedi’s life, which aptly ended with the quote, “The courage to change the world.”In a heartwarming moment, Ms. Renuka Shah, Past National President & Founder of FICCI FLO Kolkata Chapter was assisted to the stage by Dr. Bedi, who was felicitated on behalf of the organisation.”It’s a real blessing to see you all here, and to be amidst you, bright in your own ways.

What a sisterhood you are today. This kind of community building is not easy,” said Dr. Bedi. As Dr. Bedi praised the achievements of FICCI FLO, Ms. Radhika Dalmia remarked, “They are nothing in the face of what you have done for us.” Ms. Bedi responded saying how affectionate and kind they had been in their invitation.”The objective of FLO is not just learning to be business women, it’s learning from each other, standing by each other, through thick and thin.””You’ve heard about me, but you’ve not seen what has happened in my career, the ups and downs.

” Dr. Bedi had prepared a presentation on the different posts she has upheld, with images from her personal documentation and library.She wanted to show the cohort what made her ‘go through the fire’. Being candid, she said,”I’m going to show you some things that you may not have seen or heard. We can have an open conversation after, because some of you may want to ask questions that are out of the box.

“Ms. Bedi opened with an anecdote on how she led one of the toughest parades as a young IPS Officer. “In life, there are opportunities that come. If you have the confidence, if you are sure of yourself, you are capable of it, then never lose that opportunity.

She spoke at length about the moments in her life and her career that made history. From overseeing arrangements at the 1982 Asian Games, to being Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, to the reforms that she brought to Tihar Jail.

She went on to describe the tough yet rewarding experiences she has had as a social activist working with Navjyoti India Foundation and starting India Vision Foundation.She outlined the ways to build leadership, stating that there is the traditional model for businesses, but the real contributions come from creative leadership that are collective and community based.

The session ended with an interactive session that left each of the 180 attendees inspired.In closing, she talked about how important it is for the next generation to know about these stories. “Because this is history – read, heard, felt. Then it comes alive again.”