For You With You Always: Kiran Bedi

It might have come as a shocker for her die hard fans and admirers, but it was very much on the cards, especially after being superseded by Y S Dadwal for the coveted top job in Delhi Police. The super-cop of Delhi Police and the first woman IPS officer of the country, Kiran Bedi made public on November 27, her decision to leave policing well ahead of her retirement age. Some two weeks ago she submitted an application to the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking voluntary retirement. Having served for 37 long years in the police force, Bedi has now decided to dedicate her time on philanthropic work. When Headlines India team approached her doorsteps, the guard prevented us from entering the premise. But, finally the super lady herself walked up to us and said with a big smile, “Yes, tell me what do you want to know?” Thus began our conversation, the excerpts of which are as follows.



What compelled you suddenly to put the voluntary retirement letter?



Kiran Bedi: It is not a sudden decision. It was very much there and I was planning it long back. Nothing has compelled me to do so; it is the inner voice, which asked me for devoting time for my two NGOs (Non-Government Organisations). I just followed the call of my inner voice.



What should be read between the lines from your voluntary retirement letter?



Kiran Bedi: Everyone has his own perspective to look at things, but my soul asks me to work continuously for a greater cause. So, I am entering into a new arena of public service and it is a kind of fresh challenge, which I accept and I will try to live upto the challenge throughout my life and endeavour for the betterment of the people of the country.



What would you do now?



Kiran Bedi: I have a strong academic and social interest to pursue, and it is a service of my choice. It is a personal sacrifice and the substitution. It is time to go back to work continuously in any form.



Is it the sign of surrendering for not getting the post of Commissioner of Delhi Police?



Kiran Bedi: I am not attached to any post or chair and Delhi Police is a closed chapter, which has nothing to do with present situation.



Do you reckon that your letter would be accepted?



Kiran Bedi: Why not. In the case of K K Paul, it took some hours to be accepted by the Ministry and I have full faith in them. I believe that it will be accepted at the earliest in my case as well.



Well, K K Paul was later appointed as a member of UPSC, are you eyeing for such a post?



Kiran Bedi: Why should I be eyeing for any post? When I am going to renounce the government vehicle, government residence, and the guards, then no such question arises. I am doing away with all kind of personal benefit that I get for holding the current government post for a nobler cause. I am not anticipating any post, and even if I were offered anything like that I would not accept it. Have I been attached to the chair for any purpose other than serving the people? I do not want any chair.



How would you dedicate your time to serve people?



Kiran Bedi: Good question. There are many other issues. I would work upon police reforms, reforms for women empowerment and rural panchayat section. Now it is the time to give full attention to these issues.



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