The Calcutta chapter of FICCI FLO recently hosted India’s first woman IPS officer Kiran Bedi for an interactive session titled ‘To Learn, Explore, Upskill, Grow and Uplift Others’ at The Park hotel. FICCI FLO chairperson Radhika Dalmia and past president Sunita Kanoria welcomed the former IPS officer for the session and formally introduced her to the members. Kanoria described how India’s “iron lady” extensively worked against drugs and for prisoners’ welfare. She referred to 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,” said Kanoria while introducing Bedi. Renuka Shah, past national president and founder of FICCI FLO Kolkata chapter, felicitated Bedi on behalf of the organisation.
During the session, Bedi spoke on her life of becoming India’s first woman police officer and the first woman IPS officer, with slides screening her journey. “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,” said Bedi. Further into the session, she spoke on the importance of being confident and the need to be sure of oneself. “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. Opportunity knocks on your door once, and that’s when you must take it,” said Bedi.
She spoke on the key moments of her career, like overseeing arrangements at the 1982 Asian Games, being Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, and the reforms she brought at Tihar Jail. 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 concluded with an interactive session.
“We are truly honoured to have had Kiran Bedi grace us with her presence today. Her journey and insights have not only inspired us but have ignited a fire within us to continue striving for excellence. Bedi’s wisdom will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our members of FLO Kolkata as we continue to learn, grow, and uplift one another,” said Radhika Dalmia, chairperson, FICCI FLO Kolkata.