On January 24, 1992, the afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the bustling DGP office nestled in the picturesque valleys of Jammu and Kashmir. Meetings were in full swing, with then DGP of the state, Jitendra Narain Saksena, an IPS officer renowned for his efforts against militancy, deep in discussion. Suddenly, a hush fell over the room, only to be shattered moments later by frantic screams and chaos. A bomb had detonated, targeting the heart of the DGP office, sending shockwaves that rippled all the way to Delhi. In the aftermath, the Prime Minister made a surprising decision, appointing an IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre as the new DGP of Jammu and Kashmir. The officer, who was appointed, bypassing several senior officials in a move that would change the course of the region’s troubled history, was Dr. Balbir Singh Bedi, a 1961 batch IPS officer.
In “A Life Uncommon – B.S. Bedi,” her daughter Preeti Singh presents an intimate portrait of her father, Dr. B.S. Bedi, a distinguished IPS officer whose career spanned some of India’s most tumultuous periods. Released in 2022, this compelling biography is not merely a recounting of a life dedicated to service; it offers a deep exploration of the ethos that shaped one of India’s legendary law enforcement figures.
Born in Daska, Sialkot – an undivided India, Dr. Bedi’s early life was marked by the upheaval of partition, leading his family to settle in Sirhind, Punjab. From a young age, his academic prowess shone brightly, earning him multiple accolades. Preeti captures this formative journey beautifully, illustrating how his passion for English literature and teaching laid the groundwork for his entry into the IPS.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Ms. Preeti remarked, “My father was an illustrious IPS officer of the UP cadre, well-known both within the police force and among the general public. I wrote this book because people often ask about his career and accomplishments. Many have shared stories of the remarkable work he did, which inspired me to document his struggles and achievements. My hope is that this book serves as a source of inspiration for future generations and new officers.”
A LIFE UNCOMMON
This book chronicles IPS Bedi’s journey from her humble beginnings to becoming a police officer, detailing her years of dedicated service and the significant contributions she made to the police department. A particularly compelling aspect of her story is the challenges she faced after her family immigrated to India following the partition, highlighting her resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles to build a successful career in one of the country’s most demanding and prestigious services.
Compiled by her daughter Preeti Singh, the book offers a rich tapestry of Bedi’s personal and professional experiences. Mr Bedi served with great distinction in various challenging postings within and outside Uttar Pradesh and is regarded as one of the most dynamic and legendary officers of her time.
Additionally, more than two dozen senior officers who have served as DGs in Uttar Pradesh have written articles about this book and about B.S. Bedi, further emphasizing his impact and legacy. Throughout his distinguished police career, Mr bedi was selected for key postings, earning respect in political and bureaucratic circles for his fearless and honest approach.
THE BOOK
The book is divided into four main parts: “Balbir,” “Daddy,” “Friends and Colleagues Remember,” and “Daddy’s Message,” along with a foreword, preface, and acknowledgments. Each of these sections contains several sub-parts. For example, “Balbir” features six chapters, including “Introduction,” “The Beginning,” “Memories Without Borders,” “Beneath New Skies,” “On a New Threshold of Life,” and “Upward and Onward.”
The “Daddy” section consists of nine parts, such as “The Journey Begins…,” “Signs of Steel,” “Blazing a Trail,” “Moments of Impact,” “Crests and Troughs,” “The New Challenges,” “The Spirit Indestructible,” “Life’s Altered Landscape,” and “Country Roads Take Me Home.”
Following this, “Friends and Colleagues Remember…” provides insights from those who knew him, culminating in “Daddy’s Message,” where Mr. Bedi shares essential advice for young IPS officers.
All these sections are engaging and beautifully written, allowing readers to become immersed in the story while also finding inspiration. Preeti’s writing is imbued with warmth and admiration, making it clear that this is not merely a professional biography but a labor of love. Her voice resonates with pride, especially as she recounts her father’s transition from police service to academia, culminating in a Ph.D. and D. Litt in English Literature. This shift underscores Dr. Bedi’s lifelong pursuit of knowledge and excellence, characteristics that Preeti weaves into the narrative.
THE KASHMIR DAYS
To illustrate B.S. Bedi’s honesty and efficiency, consider this: as you read the book, you’ll discover that he was often dispatched to manage riots and curfews in critical situations, whether in Banaras or Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Punjab and Kashmir.
When appointed DGP of Kashmir in 1992, he was given just 20 hours to travel from Lucknow to Kashmir. At that time, he served as ADG, PSC in UP, and his appointment came after superseding several senior officials. This decision followed the devastating bomb blast, which destroyed the DGP office and injured many senior officers, including the then DGP. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, then-Prime Minister Narasimha Rao sought an officer capable of managing such crises effectively, leading to Bedi’s swift appointment.
In the book, readers are treated to a comprehensive look at the life of a man who transcended the boundaries of his profession to become a role model for many. “He was dispatched to combat terrorism twice – first in Punjab and then in Jammu and Kashmir – where he served as DGP of Kashmir,” Preeti added.
PERSONAL STRUGGLE
The book also highlights that, alongside his professional challenges, Bedi faced significant struggles in his personal life. While serving as SSP in Kanpur, his wife – Preeti’s mother – was diagnosed with cancer at just 39 years old. Despite this hardship, Bedi remained dedicated to caring for her with unwavering commitment and integrity, all while nurturing and raising his daughter. Preeti’s mother ultimately lived for about 14 more years, and Preeti attributes much of her mother’s strength to her father’s support. She describes her life as extraordinary, shaped by both her father’s resilience and the profound love within their family.
THE IDEA OF BOOK
When asked by Indian Masterminds how she got the idea for the book, Preeti explained that she had been considering it for a long time. Her father was a dedicated officer throughout his career, and after retiring from his role in Jammu and Kashmir, he returned to teaching – his profession before joining the police service – never seeking any favors from the department. He also worked with the UP Public Service Commission. In the book, she highlights pivotal moments in her father’s career, including his adept handling of crises, which earned him respect not only from the police force but also from political leaders and the public.
In conclusion, “A Life Uncommon – B.S. Bedi” is a poignant and powerful read that offers a window into the life of a remarkable man dedicated to serving his country. Preeti’s dedication to capturing her father’s legacy makes this biography a significant contribution to the understanding of Indian law enforcement and the enduring spirit of service. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of policing, leadership, and the values that can guide individuals through challenging times.
This book about him is not just a recounting of his life and family; it also documents the journey of India as a nation.
