Parth Khurana, 13
Son of Delhi BJP spokesperson Harish Khurana and home-maker Dimple Khurana, and grandson of former Delhi CM Madan Lal Khurana
Being born in a family of politicians can make one learn the intricacies of this checkered game quicker. Parth says that though he thinks of joining politics, he is wary because there is a lot of politics within politics. “I want to be a commercial pilot and fly the world’s largest airliner, the Airbus A380,” says the grandson of former Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana. Parth’s father, Harish Khurana, is the spokesperson for the Delhi’s BJP unit. His mother is a housewife.
Aviation is not a passing fad for the youngest Khurana. Apart from reading books on the subject, he is hooked to aircraft simulation games and has the latest versions, such as Guardians of Skies and European Flight Simulation, on his cellphone. He also loves basketball, mystery books and has a set of close friends who keep him company as he is an only child. Like his grandfather, who was known as Dilli ka sher (tiger of Delhi), Parth loves Punjabi food—from Chhole Bhature to butter naan and butter chicken, he digs into everything Delhi has to offer.
As a Class IX student of DPS Mathura Road, Parth says traffic and parking are the biggest problems in the capital. “Every day there is a fight over parking in Rajouri Garden, where I live. One solution could be building parking lots under parks,” he says.
Like many children of his age, he feels the pressure of board exams and getting admission into a good college, even if one scores over 95 per cent. “I would take away the pressure of board exams if I was the CM,” he says. As he likes travelling, being a pilot will give wings to his dreams, he says.
Do you think Delhi is or can be a Smart City?
A lot of places. The Red Fort, Qutub Minar, malls. I like Delhi food, particularly Punjabi, be it chhole bhature or butter chicken. People here are friendly and educated. It can be a Smart City as it is developed. It should have free wi-fi so that people can enjoy the Internet.
Things you like about Delhi.
A lot of places. The Red Fort, Qutub Minar, malls. I like Delhi food, particularly Punjabi, be it chhole bhature or butter chicken. People here are friendly and educated.
Things you don’t like about the city.
Pollution, traffic, contaminated water, car parking, pressure on school students to do well in board exams and get admission in good colleges.
How would you improve the city if you were the chief minister?
First, I would solve the parking problem by building parking lots below parks, lessen the study burden, especially for board exams and generate employment for students getting out of college.