Pranvat Kaur, 12 & Gurnadar Kaur
4 Daughters of Phulkari conservationist Kirandeep Kaur and 1469 Workshop owner Harinder Singh
The shy, older girl finds it hard to say much. The younger one finds it hard to contain herself. They balance each other out beautifully. If Pranvat is chary in the way she converses, little Gurnadar is unabashed about pouring her heart out. It’s endearing to see them sitting close to their father, the creative head of popular Punjabi concept store 1469 Workshop, devouring bowls of kadi chawal prepared by their doting grandmother. They’ve just come back from Lodhi Gardens, which they frequent often, happy with their time out with the family.
The girls look forward to these outings, and Lodhi Garden is a favourite option. “The flowers, the birds, the grass, the sky… all bring a smile to my face,” says Pranvat. The sun casting its rays on the contours of the Bara Gumbad in the garden always amazes her. “The light dances from wall to wall and from pillar to pillar,” she says, gesturing animatedly. Her sister, on the other hand, has made a ritual out of rolling herself dirty on the damp grass. Once she’s done, she heads for the swings. “I don’t like high slides,” says little Gurnadar, and frowns at the confession. “Will you come with me on the smaller ones?” she says, her expression changing to one of happy anticipation.
But this is the story of a weekend. The days in between are filled with school-related activities. “At home, we can fit in only some activities, but in school, we do it all,” says Pranvat, who recently scored 97 per cent in Spanish at her school, Sanskriti. “The next time you come, I will be able to speak Spanish fluently,” she promises with a sweet smile.
What does Smart City mean to you?
Where smart decisions are taken and implemented. A city that’s not boring. One with lots of monuments, gardens, theatres, markets and playgrounds.
Do you think Delhi is or can be a Smart City?
To an extent it is, but there is much more to be done. We have a lot to learn from Chandigarh.
Things you like about the city.
To an extent it is, but there is much more to be done. We have a lot to learn from Chandigarh. Lodhi Gardens, our shop 1469 Workshop, my home in Defence Colony, my school Sanskriti and the Metro.
Things you don’t like about Delhi.
People put too much emphasis on eating instead of on good hobbies. Also, there’s pollution, very hot summers and bad traffic.
How would you improve the city if you were the CM?
Clean the city, make people obey rules, encourage people to interact and learn from each other, make parks wider and roads smaller, encourage carpooling.