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I Dare
The saga of India's first and the highest ranked woman officer in the Indian Police Service - who pioneered a humane method of policing - marked by willpower, devotion to duty, innovation, compassion and, above all, a never-say-die attitude
The eyewitness account - forthright and unsparing - in this fully revised and updated edition provides a well-documented exposé of the sabotage of police reforms (to be implemented as per a verdict of the Supreme Court of India) by certain bureaucrats and by some members of Kiran Bedi's own service. These persons also blocked her appointment as police commissioner. This kind of sabotage was the proverbial last straw that compelled her to 'shake off the shackles'. After a long and rewarding innings (35 years in all), Kiran Bedi decided to move on. She believed that she could no longer work with persons who were keeping the system enslaved. She was clear in her mind that she was not going to be subordinated by this team of saboteurs. What direction and leadership would such persons provide except to create pygmies and stifle initiative and crush morale? She did not want to be a part of such dubious 'history'. As she asserts: 'My self-respect, my innate sense of justice and my beliefs and values in life propelled me to throw off the "yokes" that were already obstructing my growth and I now made up my mind to set myself free and be a master of my own time.' This is a no-holds-barred narrative packed with punch, spirit and vitality. Chosen as 'India's most admired woman', Kiran Bedi is a highly recognized and decorated police officer, who has won several accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service. Throughout her career, Kiran Bedi (who joined the Indian Police Service in 1972) dared to remain innovative to meet the challenges posed by her different assignments: be it policing, managing prisons or imparting training. She won the admiration and respect of millions, both outside and within India.
The eyewitness account - forthright and unsparing - in this fully revised and updated edition provides a well-documented exposé of the sabotage of police reforms (to be implemented as per a verdict of the Supreme Court of India) by certain bureaucrats and by some members of Kiran Bedi's own service. These persons also blocked her appointment as police commissioner. This kind of sabotage was the proverbial last straw that compelled her to 'shake off the shackles'. After a long and rewarding innings (35 years in all), Kiran Bedi decided to move on. She believed that she could no longer work with persons who were keeping the system enslaved. She was clear in her mind that she was not going to be subordinated by this team of saboteurs. What direction and leadership would such persons provide except to create pygmies and stifle initiative and crush morale? She did not want to be a part of such dubious 'history'. As she asserts: 'My self-respect, my innate sense of justice and my beliefs and values in life propelled me to throw off the "yokes" that were already obstructing my growth and I now made up my mind to set myself free and be a master of my own time.' This is a no-holds-barred narrative packed with punch, spirit and vitality. Chosen as 'India's most admired woman', Kiran Bedi is a highly recognized and decorated police officer, who has won several accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service. Throughout her career, Kiran Bedi (who joined the Indian Police Service in 1972) dared to remain innovative to meet the challenges posed by her different assignments: be it policing, managing prisons or imparting training. She won the admiration and respect of millions, both outside and within India.
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First published May 1, 2009
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About the author
Kiran Bedi
77 books50 followersKiran Bedi is a retired Indian Police Service officer, social activist, former tennis player and politician who is the current Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. She is the first female Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and started her service in 1975. She remained in service for 35 years before taking voluntary retirement in 2007 as Director General of Police, Bureau of Police Research and Development.
She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in January 2015. She unsuccessfully contested the 2015 Delhi Assembly election as the party's Chief Ministerial candidate. On 22 May 2016, Bedi was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
As a teenager, Bedi became the national junior tennis champion in 1966. Between 1965 and 1978, she won several titles at national and state-level championships. After joining IPS, Bedi served in Delhi, Goa, Chandigarh and Mizoram. She started her career as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Chanakyapuri area of Delhi, and won the President's Police Medal in 1979. Next, she moved to West Delhi, where she brought a reduction in crimes against women. Subsequently, as a traffic police officer, she oversaw traffic arrangements for the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi and the 1983 CHOGM meet in Goa. As DCP of North Delhi, she launched a campaign against drug abuse, which evolved into the Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation (renamed to Navjyoti India Foundation in 2007).
She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in January 2015. She unsuccessfully contested the 2015 Delhi Assembly election as the party's Chief Ministerial candidate. On 22 May 2016, Bedi was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
As a teenager, Bedi became the national junior tennis champion in 1966. Between 1965 and 1978, she won several titles at national and state-level championships. After joining IPS, Bedi served in Delhi, Goa, Chandigarh and Mizoram. She started her career as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Chanakyapuri area of Delhi, and won the President's Police Medal in 1979. Next, she moved to West Delhi, where she brought a reduction in crimes against women. Subsequently, as a traffic police officer, she oversaw traffic arrangements for the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi and the 1983 CHOGM meet in Goa. As DCP of North Delhi, she launched a campaign against drug abuse, which evolved into the Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation (renamed to Navjyoti India Foundation in 2007).
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 25, 2017
I started reading this book to know about one of the finest and honest Indian and ended up loving it for the struggles that this wonderful woman had to go through. To understand the problems that he faced and the way she dared to move forward in a patriarchal society is worth reading an inspiration for generations to come.
June 22, 2012
Well, an awesome, inspirational, motivational & enthralling read.
Who says the system can't be changed? If we'll try to change even a little bit of the system which lies under our scope of work as per our abilities & if we'll do our task honestly & most efficiently, then we can definitely bring a noticeable change in the society. & even a single little bit of our contribution will count & will matter a lot. By this, we can't bring a revolution or a drastic change suddenly, but it may encourage others to do their bit & can start a self-sustaining chain of reforms which will gradually get increased to such a scale, that it'll automatically bring some magnificent changes. But before bringing a change in our outer environment, we'll have to conquer our own inner self, our hesitations, our weaknesses & will have to emerge as a calm, strong, disciplined & determined human. & this book may help you in doing the same.
Do read it if you feel that you are struck with the difficulties surrounding you/your job, or there are numerous hindrances in your path or you are unable to decide from how/where to start improving yourself & the system.
Who says the system can't be changed? If we'll try to change even a little bit of the system which lies under our scope of work as per our abilities & if we'll do our task honestly & most efficiently, then we can definitely bring a noticeable change in the society. & even a single little bit of our contribution will count & will matter a lot. By this, we can't bring a revolution or a drastic change suddenly, but it may encourage others to do their bit & can start a self-sustaining chain of reforms which will gradually get increased to such a scale, that it'll automatically bring some magnificent changes. But before bringing a change in our outer environment, we'll have to conquer our own inner self, our hesitations, our weaknesses & will have to emerge as a calm, strong, disciplined & determined human. & this book may help you in doing the same.
Do read it if you feel that you are struck with the difficulties surrounding you/your job, or there are numerous hindrances in your path or you are unable to decide from how/where to start improving yourself & the system.
February 21, 2015
Great,inspiring and engrossing book... being an IPS officer is a really tough job.
July 23, 2017
I started reading this book to know more about one of the most admired woman of India and ended up loving it for the struggles she has faced at every point of her life.
Her kind nature, her nature of not tolerating corruption and injustice, stressing on crime prevention rather then cure is all what one should learn from her.
Her story is inspirational, motivational and influential !!!.
Although the book was little bit heavy read, but worth reading.
This book has generated my interest in Indian governance, life at prisons, criminals, Narcotics Control Bureau and many more things and I am going to explore these things in future.
Her kind nature, her nature of not tolerating corruption and injustice, stressing on crime prevention rather then cure is all what one should learn from her.
Her story is inspirational, motivational and influential !!!.
Although the book was little bit heavy read, but worth reading.
This book has generated my interest in Indian governance, life at prisons, criminals, Narcotics Control Bureau and many more things and I am going to explore these things in future.
August 27, 2018
Great book. Good for people who want to achieve great things
December 10, 2018
Nice book it is inspirational and motivational to all reader
March 21, 2019
She dares to achieve what she wants. Jai hind
October 3, 2017
'I Dare' is quite daring while imbibing in our minds a plethora of daring thoughts to dare our own beliefs and principles. It is also daring in that it challenges our own existence on the planet Earth. Dr. Kiran Bedi gives us a handful of her own experiences that she had had while dealing with administrative and professional challenges throughout her stint as an IPS Officer. A strong character that she is, 'I Dare' lays emphasis on her professional journey and the consequences of it on her personal life especially on the academics and life of her daughter. The manuscript gives deep insight on the various reformative measures undertaken during her tenures at Tihar Jail and many other places of her service. She has in a clear cut manner expressed the adversities that women in the administrative and police services during her times and even now may encounter. Adversaries happen every now and then in these professions. Dr. Kiran Bedi warns us Indians against the social problems and the adverse effects that it could have on the lives of the poor sections in our society. This hardcore hardcover depicts certain harsh realities of the Indian society in a very nonchalant manner. The hidden aspect in her elite career as IPS Officer is the fact that she was a very good player of Tennis. Tennis matches grabbed her attention very early during her growing years. And, this factor explains the very evident sportive behavior she has possessed or acquired during her tenure. If a person desires to get into administrative/police services then a background of sportsmanship certainly helps in nurturing that desire. For, sportsmanship is what inculcates in us a sense of belonging towards our country or our origin. The potential is discovered by determining the manner in which we deal with sporting intimidation and aggression. Dr. Kiran Bedi was fortunate in this aspect as her parents were supportive of her ventures and endeavors. Here again, the foundation for her growing up to be a strong woman could be laid and be interpreted/elaborated by means of the important role played by her family throughout and through the thick and thin in her success and failures. A fiver for this well compiled book on Dr. Kiran Bedi's life.
June 24, 2013
The book I wanted to read since the time I heard Kiran bedi speak @RBS office.... This book proves that what we need today is leaders and not managers.. A single leader with conviction, and strength to carry out the 'right' decisions, can touch and influence thousands of people... And if you know how to stand for whats right, people will follow you, no matter what your title or post it.
Though I think that book could have been structured better, but I liked it for many stories that have been shared, that prove that life is worthwhile when you 'go out', reach out to people and touch lives in the way you want to....
Though I think that book could have been structured better, but I liked it for many stories that have been shared, that prove that life is worthwhile when you 'go out', reach out to people and touch lives in the way you want to....
August 11, 2014
Totally inspiring and heart warming
Totally inspiring and heart warming
Story of India's first women IPS officer is truly an inspiration to the millions of woman who think themselves to be weak and dependent. She not only speaks but acts straight from her heart. I wish if this Bold,daring and fearless cop would have been given control of Delhi, the story would have been very positive at the present. Salute to her and her fearless attitude towards LIFE!! totally inspires anybody to turn any problem into opportunity.
Totally inspiring and heart warming
Story of India's first women IPS officer is truly an inspiration to the millions of woman who think themselves to be weak and dependent. She not only speaks but acts straight from her heart. I wish if this Bold,daring and fearless cop would have been given control of Delhi, the story would have been very positive at the present. Salute to her and her fearless attitude towards LIFE!! totally inspires anybody to turn any problem into opportunity.
February 5, 2014
The amount of hardships she has went through during her tenure, she could have quit her job just a few days after joining it. I would , if i was in her place. But she would not have been India's first lady IPS officer, if she quit her job that easily.
Her work has been exemplary in every way possible. A must read for any Civil Service aspirant, to know what it truly takes to serve your country. I salute you and your spirit Ms 'Crane' Bedi!
Her work has been exemplary in every way possible. A must read for any Civil Service aspirant, to know what it truly takes to serve your country. I salute you and your spirit Ms 'Crane' Bedi!
May 4, 2012
This is one book I like to go back to every now and then. Not just because it a good biography of sorts, but also because how it never fails to remind me that Nothing is really impossible, even in the face of adversity, hardship, and failure. As long as you have the spirit and the vision to make it happen, you do!
September 22, 2014
she is a women of substance. New approach to tackle crimes , could only succeed because she had that touch of humanity in all that she did. Love for Duty is all she taught me, encompassing the superior qualities to be equipped before getting into the services. The qualities she showcased were absolutely stunning and challenges she faced were at peaks by the first Indian women IPS officer.
June 7, 2016
I wanted to read this book for so long, and finally i got my hands on a copy. Wow! The Author is such an inspiration. I am short of words of describing the good work that she has done in the Police Service and currently doing with her NGOs. I think this Autobiography is a must read for people who care for change and want to know what it takes to change the system.
September 25, 2016
So inspirational... Hats off to Kiran Bedi's boldness, truly a women of substance. Book is all about story of India's first women IPS officer and amount of hardship she has went through during her tenure. Her work has been exemplary in every possible way a must read for all who think themselves to be week and dependent.
May 20, 2013
Kiran Bedi is an inspiration to one and all. A book you must have in your bookcase.
It's all the more special to me because I'd received it as a prize for The Outstanding Student of the Year, back in school.
It's all the more special to me because I'd received it as a prize for The Outstanding Student of the Year, back in school.
May 16, 2015
The book explains the experiences of Ms. Bedi while working in civil services. The problems she faced and how she tried to solve those problems and all. Basically it fully accomplished my purpose of reading this book.
December 8, 2011
it lets you hope!!
May 7, 2012
Read it for:
1. An inspiring story
2. Insight in Indian Bureaucracy
3. Perseverance story
4. World class management lessons. No other book will give you that.
1. An inspiring story
2. Insight in Indian Bureaucracy
3. Perseverance story
4. World class management lessons. No other book will give you that.
April 30, 2013
So inspirational................
Hats off to Kiran Bedi's boldness..........
Hats off to Kiran Bedi's boldness..........
April 6, 2015
i wat to read
July 5, 2020
A very good book about life of an IPS and journey of her life on each step of which she has to fight with the system.
April 2, 2017
Inspiring character. Her qualities can't be enumerated. Must read chapters are (in order) : 32, 22, 37, 39.
Sports play an important role in formative years. It reflects in decisions taken by her in her life.
Sports play an important role in formative years. It reflects in decisions taken by her in her life.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews