Hyderabad, 6 May: In an inspiring assembly of minds, Woxsen University hosted Dr. Kiran Bedi, the first woman IPS Officer and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, at the special edition of The FutureYou Talks held at their campus in Hyderabad. The event also marked the inauguration of the Kiran Bedi Hall at Woxsen University, a testament to Dr. Bedi's inspirational legacy.
Dr. Bedi’s exemplary career and commitment to women's empowerment make her an ideal speaker to illuminate this vital topic ‘Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Glass Ceilings.' Her achievements are profound, from pioneering roles in the police force to advocating for reform in the Indian prison system and leading initiatives for social change. Dr. Bedi’s previous engagements and numerous leadership seminars, highlight her lifelong dedication to empowering women and challenging societal norms.
The official commencement of The FutureYou Talks set the stage for a day filled with insightful discussions and meaningful interactions. Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez, Vice President of Woxsen University, addressed students and highlighted the institution's commitment to fostering leadership and breaking new ground in higher education.
Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez, Vice President of Woxsen University, stated, "We are committed to empowering the women community. Out of our 7 schools, 3 are led by accomplished women, reflecting our dedication to gender diversity and equality. We are proud to maintain a 50-50 ratio of male and female students, fostering an inclusive learning environment. Furthermore, we are deeply invested in supporting rural communities, having successfully generated employment opportunities for them. Our impactful ‘Woxsen Elevate Program’ runs for almost 4 months annually and provides training to 600-800 children on average every weekend. The overwhelming response from the children, who willingly volunteer for these programs, demonstrates their appreciation for the invaluable learning opportunities we provide. Our overarching goal is to give back to society in every way possible. We are committed to nurturing our students' understanding of their role in contributing towards the upliftment of the underprivileged, fostering a sense of social responsibility & compassion."
During her keynote speech Dr. Bedi began by addressing the Chancellor, university members and students where she said "Always remember that in the past, people had to move to where the jobs were. Now, jobs are coming to where people are. This shift demands that you maintain yourself, study diligently, and constantly aim higher. Strive to rise above personal good to contribute towards the greater good.” Appreciating Woxsen University and its Campus she mentioned “Woxsen is indeed such a world-class university and in just ten years the university has transformed itself with such a great learning facility, I will encourage the students to embody your Chancellor’s mantra of giving back to society.”
Her empowering words resonated with the audience, sparking conversations on the role of women in shaping a progressive society. She states “Real change will occur when powerful women become less of an exception. This is why I challenge myself daily to step out of my comfort zone and not be an exception. It's heartening to recall that when I joined the Police Academy in 1975, I was the only woman among over 80 men in the batch. Today, one-third of the batches consist of women, which is why I frequently visit the National Police Academy in Hyderabad.”
Addressing the challenges of women in leadership roles, she emphsised that women have 3 unique challenges - namely marriage, motherhood, and mothering, “it’s crucial to be prepared to face these challenges while maintaining your individuality”, she said
While Dr. Bedi advised the students on managing their time and thoughts, she exclaimed “Remember to self-police the traffic jam in your mind. You don’t need a uniform for that!”
During our Fireside chat segment, Dr. Bedi while reflecting on a profound incident he said “I recall the day I towed Indira Gandhi’s car from a no-parking zone. I was simply following our nation's laws, which earned me the nickname ‘Crane Bedi’. I have always stood for what is right.”
She further urged students to perceive “Education should make you courageously independent, as my upbringing and education did for me. Utilize every available resource and discern right from wrong.” she said.
When asked about her prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, Dr. Bedi took pride in sharing that she was honored not for combating terrorism, but for empathetic, accessible, responsible, problem-solving, and creative policing focused on crime prevention—”this aligns with my belief in the power of prevention” she stated.
Talking about setbacks, Dr. Bedi didn't mince while sharing that “ There was a significant one when I was overlooked for the position of Police Commissioner of Delhi, despite my records, qualifications and seniority. A junior by two years was appointed instead. This setback was a reflection of those at the helm prioritizing personal gain over the greater good. However, facing this challenge opened many more doors for me after I took voluntary retirement. The key is to believe in yourself and focus on the legacy you want to leave behind" - Dr. Kiran Bedi
A fireside chat with Dr. Bedi provided an intimate platform for discussing the nuances of leadership and the impact of societal contributions. The session was followed by the conferment of "The Woxsen Award for Timeless Societal Contributions" to Dr. Bedi, in recognition of her enduring impact on society.
Woxsen University stands at the forefront of advocating for women in leadership roles, a commitment reflected in its diverse academic and administrative structures. The University prides itself on having significant female representation across various key positions including deans, board members and other key positions exemplifying the belief in practical gender equality and the empowerment of women through education and leadership.
About Woxsen University, Hyderabad: Woxsen University, located in Hyderabad, is one of the first private universities of the state of Telangana, India. Renowned for its 200-acre state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, Woxsen University offers new-age, disruptive programs in the fields of Business, Technology, Arts & Design, Architecture, Law, Sciences and Liberal Arts & Humanities. With 120+ Global Partner Universities and Strong Industry Connect, Woxsen is reckoned as one of the top universities for Academic Excellence and Global Edge. Woxsen is Top Ranked in QS Business Masters World Ranking, 2024, #11 All India Top 100 B-Schools by Times B-School Ranking 2024, Rank #15 All India Top Pvt. B-School, BusinessWorld 2023, and features in India’s Best B-Schools beyond IIMs by Dalal Street Investment Journal 2024.
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