Aarna Madaan, 11
Daughter of astrologer and vaastu expert Jai Madaan and Ankur Madaan, businessman
She holds Mia, a little tan-coloured Pekingese close to her chest. Throwing back the thick black curls that surround her little face, she bends to caress Mia on its tiny head. The pup responds excitedly, lavishing licks of approval on 11-year-old Aarna Madaan, the daughter of astrologer and vaastu expert Jai Madaan and businessman Ankur.
Aarna loves dogs, there is no doubt. But there is something else that she loves even more. And that is predicting the future. You could call it an unlikely interest for a child of her age. Be that as it may, it’s Aarna’s definitive passion, one that she nurtures every day. Said to be the youngest tarot card reader in the world, Aarna has been curious about the future since she was seven. “I used to love seeing mom reading for everyone. When I used to go from school to my mom’s office, I would play with her cards. Soon, mom realised I had a serious interest in tarot and she encouraged me to learn the skill,” says the student of St. Thomas School.
Today, she carries the pack of cards with her wherever she goes. People are eternally looking for answers and Aarna believes she has the answers to most questions. “I can answer anything related to love, career, relationships,” she says, adding: “Even those around me appreciate my talent. Some time back, I went for a school trip and my teachers requested me to take my cards along so that I could read for them. They had a good time through the process and I felt really special doing it for them. Now I work harder, practise more and try and make myself perfect,” she says.
What does Smart City mean to you?
An organised city with less traffic, no wrappers on the road and cameras all over for security.
Do you think Delhi is or can be a Smart City?
I think Delhi can be a Smart City by the time I turn 20.
Things you like about Delhi.
I love the golgappas, DLF Emporio Mall, the big parks for cycling, Delhi winters and the good hotels with swimming pools.
Things you don’t like about the city.
People throwing wrappers on the road, traffic, summers, people not giving food to street dogs and running while crossing the road.
What would you do to improve the city if you were the Chief Minister?
I would plant more trees to reduce pollution.