Kairav Semwal, 10
Son of Neeraj Semwal, Additional CEO, Delhi Jal Board, and Kanika Semwal, school teacher
Like his father Neeraj Semwal, 10-year-old Kairav Semwal aspires to become a civil servant, because he wants to “change the lives of the poor and serve the country”.
For Kairav, success is all about “being honest and hardworking”. The Class VI student of Sanskriti School says, “I get inspiration from leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh.”
The younger son of Semwal, a 2003 batch IAS officer of AGMUT Cadre, Kairav spent his childhood in Diu and Goa. He likes Delhi but not the pollution and traffic congestion. Kairav’s definition of a Smart City is different from most people’s. He sees it as one that offers “ample food and water supply” to all, and ensures the safety of women and the elderly. A Smart City should also offer “hygienic health facilities and sports facilities and show love and compassion to its citizens”.
Though he loves his father and his older brother Nalin, he says his mother Kanika, who teaches at Ryan International School in Vasant Kunj, is his mentor. Kairav’s “best friend” is his pug Rowdy. “I am closest to Rowdy, who is my pal and very much a part of the family. I really enjoy playing with him,” he says.
Kairav also loves playing basketball and lawn tennis. “I am also fond of watching WWE, and my favourite wrestler is Sami Zayn,” he says.
His father Neeraj, who is the additional CEO of Delhi Jal Board, says it is amazing to watch his sons grow up. “I am having the best of times, both on the professional and personal front,” says the proud father.
What would you do to improve the city if you were the Chief Minister?
I would make the Odd-Even formula permanent, so that there’s less pollution and traffic. I would build more parks, and I would put the punishment of criminals on the fast track.
What does Smart City mean to you?
A city where all should be educated. It should be clean. It must have enough food.
Do you think Delhi is or can be a Smart City?
At present Delhi is not a Smart City. But it can become one if it gives good education to all, and if there is no pollution.
Things you like about Delhi.
Metro train is the best. It has good hotels and restaurants, which offer variety of foods. The history of Delhi attracts one and all with its monuments.
Things you don’t like about the city.
Pollution, rise in crime, traffic congestion on roads, insufficient place to play, and not enough park space.