Kiran BediLaw (Punjab, India) 2004
KIRAN BEDI – She is a trailblazer, a pioneer in every sense of the word. As the first woman to join the Indian Police Service (IPS), she shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for countless others to follow in her footsteps. Throughout her 35-year career, she tackled some of the most challenging issues facing society with unwavering resolve and determination.
From cracking down on violent protests and the drug mafia to dealing with eve-teasers and traffic congestion, she fearlessly took on every challenge that came her way. Her tenure as Inspector General at Delhi Prisons saw her implement groundbreaking reforms at Tihar Jail, earning her global recognition and the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1994.
In 2003, she made history once again by becoming the first Indian woman to be appointed as a Police Advisor to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, where she played a crucial role in peacekeeping operations. Served as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, she continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for women everywhere, proving that with determination and courage, anything is possible.