Kiran Bedi, a renowned personality in India, has had a multifaceted career spanning law enforcement, social activism, sports, and politics. Her journey is one of remarkable achievements and significant contributions to Indian society.
Wiki/Biography
Kiran Peshawaria Bedi was born on June 9, 1949, in Amritsar, India. Her zodiac sign is Gemini. She hails from a family with roots in Peshawar, from where her great-great-grandfather migrated. Raised in both Hindu and Sikh traditions, Kiran completed her schooling at Amritsar’s Sacred Heart Convent School. Her father, a tennis player, inspired her to take up the sport at the age of nine. She actively participated in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and other extracurricular activities during her school years.
Her higher education included a BA Honors in English from Government College for Women and an MA in Political Science from Panjab University. She briefly worked as a lecturer at Khalsa College for Women in Amritsar before pursuing a law degree from Delhi University and a PhD in Social Sciences from IIT Delhi. This diverse academic background formed the foundation for her future endeavors.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 3″
- Weight (approx.): 55 kg
- Hair Colour: Black
- Eye Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Husband
Kiran Bedi comes from a Hindu Khatri family. Her father, Prakash Lal Peshawaria, was a textile businessman, and her mother’s name was Prem Lata. She has three sisters: Shashi, Reeta Peshawariya (a tennis player and writer), and Anu (a tennis player).
She married Brij Bedi, a fellow tennis player, on March 9, 1972. They had one daughter, Sukriti (Saina). Sadly, Brij Bedi passed away in 2016.
Tennis Career
Kiran Bedi’s tennis career began in 1964 with the national junior lawn tennis championship in Delhi. She went on to win numerous titles, including the Junior National Lawn Tennis Championship (1966), All-India Intervarsity Tennis Title (1968), Northern India Lawn Tennis Championship (1970), and the National Women’s Lawn Tennis Championship (1976). She was also a member of the Indian team that won the Lionel Fonseka Memorial Trophy against Sri Lanka in 1973.
Civil Services Career
Kiran Bedi joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972. Her training took place at the National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie and Mount Abu. She was the sole woman in a batch of 80 men, assigned to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) cadre. Her first posting was in Chanakyapuri, Delhi, where she became the first woman to lead an all-male Delhi Police contingent in the Republic Day Parade (1975).
Her career was marked by various significant roles and achievements within the Delhi Police and beyond, including tackling traffic issues, implementing innovative crime-reduction strategies, and prison reforms in Tihar Jail. She consistently challenged norms and pushed for improvements within the system.
Political Career
Kiran Bedi entered politics in 2015, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She was the BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate in the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections but lost. In 2016, she was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
Major Designations Held
Kiran Bedi held numerous important positions throughout her career. A summary is provided below:
| Designation | Organization/Location | Year (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Divisional Police Officer | Chanakyapuri Police Station, New Delhi | 1975 |
| DCP | Delhi’s West District | 1979 |
| DCP (Traffic) | Delhi | 1981 |
| SP (Traffic) | Goa | 1983 |
| Inspector General (IG) | Delhi Prisons | 1993 |
| Lieutenant Governor | Puducherry | 2016 |
This table only includes a selection of her many important roles.
Controversies
Throughout her career, Kiran Bedi faced various controversies, some stemming from her strong-willed approach and others involving specific incidents and decisions during her time in various roles.
Awards/Honours
Kiran Bedi’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, reflecting her impact on society.
Signature
A representation of Kiran Bedi’s signature.
Assets/Properties
Details regarding Kiran Bedi’s assets and properties are available.
Salary/Net Worth
Information on Kiran Bedi’s salary and estimated net worth.
Favourite Things
- Sport: Lawn Tennis
- Politician: Narendra Modi
Facts
Kiran Bedi’s life is full of interesting facts and details beyond her professional achievements.
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