Madhav Bhalla, 11 & Nandini Bhalla, 8
Children of Gautam Bhalla, MD of Vatika Limited, and Divya Bhalla, Founder & Chairman, MatriKiran School
The first thing that strikes you on meeting Madhav and Nandini Bhalla, the children of Gautam Bhalla, Managing Director, Vatika Ltd, is their simplicity. The two surprise—and charm—you with their manners and simple lifestyle. You soon get to know that both are in awe of their mother Divya Bhalla, founder and chairperson of MatriKiran School in Gurgaon.
Nandini, 8, is the naughtier one of the two; a fact that she happily admits to. She loves singing and dancing and would like to be a singer-cum-dancer when she grows up. She says she loves singing as it “soothes’’ her and “makes me feel good.” The dancing is different. Nandini says she likes learning Bharatnatyam though the training is difficult, because she is a girl who “never gives up”.
A Class VI student in MatriKiran School, Madhav loves going to school. And when he’s not studying, it’s the tabla and gymnastics which keep him busy. Madhav wants to become a footballer and his biggest dream, as of now, is to meet his favourite footballer Lionel Messi.
Madhav is also very good with colours. His friends consider him one of the most sensitive kids in the school.
Unlike most kids of their age, Madhav and Nandini do not enjoy shopping or going to malls. Nor do they have any craze for gadgets. What they love most is being outdoors. Their own home is their favourite spot and they love spending time with their grandparents.
What does Smart City mean to you?
A Smart City means a place where the level of technology is high, where there are good road systems with fast-moving traffic (no jams), and proper signboards to guide the traffic movement.
Do you think Delhi is or can be a Smart City?
I think Delhi could be a smart city. Technologically, it is smart, but the issue is with traffic.
Things you don’t like about the city.
Pollution, population, garbage thrown on the streets, the potholes/damaged roads, disobeying of traffic rules.
What would you do to improve the city if you were CM?
I would remove all the shops that are unauthorised and create traffic jams due to the crowd that collects near them.
Things you like about Delhi.
Food, the changing seasons, the birds, street markets and the dhabas/small eateries.