Where Kindness Spoke

I distinctly remember the afternoon of 22 May 2016 when the news on television flashed Dr Kiran Bedi appointed LG of Puducherry. As much as I was delighted that Kiranji, who had been my inspiration since childhood, was going to occupy such an important constitutional post, I had butterflies in my stomach. Butterflies because I had just received a confirmation from her to be at my college for an important event in September and now this posting! I wondered what would happen. Will she still honor the invitation? I sent her a congratulatory message and reminded her about the invitation. She replied saying, "Will keep up my commitment with you. "This was my first personal interaction with Kiranji or "Maam" as I refer to her now. I have been in awe of her work as LG and have been fortunate to be a part of her creative team and even work with her closely. She calls me her "K-pedia" and I call her my forever inspiration and my godmother. True to her leadership style, she redefined the role of the LG. She defined her purpose of being there to be on a mission to serve people and make Puducherry a "Prosperous Puducherry" . She has remained self-driven and has carved a special place for herself in the constitutional history of our country as an LG who refused to be a rubber stamp, but one who opened the gates of Rajivs to the common people and served them with utmost love and affection. Her kindness spoke through her work and won the hearts of the people. When it comes to kindness as a leadership trait, some people believe that this could be a weakness. But actually kindness strengthens leadership.