Book Review – I Dare

Recently i read I Dare by Kiran Bedi, and i can say that it is one of the most inspiring books (a biography) i have ever read. It is the complete story of the life of the first and highest ranked woman IPS (Indian Police Service) Officer of India. Kiran Bedi is the role model of numerous people. And through this book we can understand how she was able to win the hearts of millions of citizens of the nation.

The book begins with the family history of Kiran Bedi. Her parents were much ahead of the times. They sent all their four daughters to the best schools and encouraged them to participate in sports like tennis for their all round development despite the resistance from the elders in their family. Kiran Bedi won many awards in tennis. An important lesson which can be learnt from her is time management. She used to have a fixed schedule and never ever wasted a single moment. All her focus was on her studies and tennis practice.

She was the first woman IPS of India and was allocated the Delhi cadre. She lead the Delhi Police Contingent on Republic Day, 1975 and the then PM Smt. Indira Gandhi was impressed and called her for a breakfast meeting. She was impartial and never favoured anyone, whatever their rank or position. She towed the car of the PM which was parked in the no parking zone.

She worked in Delhi, Goa, Mizoram and Chandigarh. Everywhere she implemented her unique style of work. Always her main focus and the top most priority was the welfare of the citizens. She devised new ideas and methods to carry out the work effectively and efficiently. Thus she won numerous national and international awards. She always inspired her juniors to fulfill their duties towards the nation by working wholeheartedly.

Her work in the Tihar Jail won her the prestigious Magsaysay Award. The jail which was earlier a terrible, frightening place was converted into an Ashram. The prisoners were treated with a human touch. Classes were held by the NGOs where they could new languages, soft skills etc. Festivals of all the religions were celebrated with same fervor. Smoking was banned and thus the health of the prisoners improved. All this happened in a short duration and was possible due to the efforts put in by Kiran Bedi.

She was appointed as the ‘Cop of the World’ at the United Nations. She travelled a lot and grained a global perspective. When she came back she was expected to be appointed as the Police Commissioner. But the people inside always hated her and were jealous of her. So despite she being the highest and the most deserving candidate for the position, she was not selected for that post. As a result she resigned and took voluntary retirement.

But it did not stop her work but rather increased it. Now she works by herself without any pressure from anyone. She has started two foundations Navjyoti and India Vision Foundation which are doing some great work for the society. Currently she is an active member of the team Anna which is trying to get the Lokpal Bill passed in India.