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Photo: K. Ananthan

Sensitive Kiran Bedi

She was here to talk about the role of youth in transforming society, and talk she did. About how they should improve and equip themselves with knowledge and focus on self-education.

“There is so much to tell. Where do I begin?” she asked. And, if some in the packed hall expected her to talk about “how I ran my prison or towed Indira Gandhi’s car”, they would have returned disappointed.

Instead, she focussed on what made and influenced Kiran Bedi. Her mantra was simple – read, absorb, get inspired and act. And, don’t do what is minimally expected of you, but what you can maximally do.

“When you are inspired, your batteries are charged. You want to do something nice,” she told the eager listeners.

“Make knowledge a need; else you will get left behind. And, prioritise. Include an outdoor activity every day. A walk clears you mind, and allows new ideas to flow.”

Some wanted to know what inspired her. “My dad, mom, books, teachers…. And I am only giving you what I got from them.”

And, then came the contentious question: Why did she quit the service? And, Kiran Bedi’s answer only showed how she thought with her heart.

“My last posting (as Director-General, Bureau of Police Research and Development) had all the comforts, and paraphernalia. But, it did not value my time fully. I wanted to do something that challenged me. That is how www.saferindia.com, a website for free registration of crime, was born,” she said.

As for not being conferred with the coveted Padma awards, she said: “You don’t have to get everything in life. Awards happen, or don’t happen. Don’t let that hamper your happiness.”

Later, she spoke about how she started her NGOs, Navjothi and India Vision Foundation. Today, they reach out to over 10,000 beneficiaries every day. “I wanted to support a drug abuse programme that treats, not criminalises. Our Navjothi hospital is considered a unique model,” she said.

How did she handle threats during her numerous postings? “I merely did what had to be done. I did not mind being transferred. You take precautions, but a police officer should have a heart. And, you can only be born with that. You can’t borrow one.”

But, how easy is it to serve with a heart when one is surrounded by crime of every kind?

“See, that very aspect drew me to the services. That need for sensitivity brought me in. Most of us begin somewhere, but become something else. All of us make our choices. I chose to remain sensitive.”

Would she have been able to achieve all that she did but for her family?

“No. Family support is a big blessing. Career was my first choice. But, I co-opted my family into my achievements. Family was important too. That is why I returned home from work, and did not socialise.”

And, her advice for youth tempted by drugs and booze is that they need to “develop more positive energy.”

The thunderous response that her talk received showed that her point was well received!