Zafar Habib, 11
Son of academicians Abha Deb Habib and Amber Habib
The recent incidents at Jawaharlal Nehru University have raised many questions in young Zafar Habib’s mind. “Why did it have to happen? Why is politics playing a role in it? Why is politics dividing the people?,” wonders the 11-year-old son of academicians Abha Deb Habib and Amber Habib.
“He is an independent thinker even at his age, someone who is really bothered about the campus unrests,” says Abha, who is a physics lecturer at Delhi University. That’s not all Zafar is bothered about. The Class VII student is also extremely concerned about the diseases like dengue and malaria that ail his city, as well as religious intolerance.
This sensitive music lover is also fascinated by literature. “I can see the writer in him,” laughs his mother.
For now, the student of Springdales School in Pusa Road, is hard at work creating new art works from broken toys. “For me, this kind of craft is challenging, and I am really fascinated with it,” says the youngster and admits that he is quite popular in school for his art pieces. “In my class, I am well-known for this,” he says with a disarming smile.
Do you think Delhi is or can be a Smart City?
Delhi can become a smarter city by offering more educational opportunities for people, harvesting rainwater, having more research facilities for developing drugs against the Zika virus. It should promote research in science.
What does Smart City mean to you?
A Smart City is one that has parks, houses, which use solar power. There have to be shelters for poor people. City should offer jobs for all.
Things you like about Delhi.
It has people from different cultures. There are good museums and monuments. It is green. Success of Odd-Even formula. Good malls.
Things you don’t like about the city.
It does not have infrastructure to deal with epidemics. Pollution has risen. Religious conflicts have increased. People don’t love animals. Educational growth isn’t enough.
What would you do to improve the city if you were the Chief Minister?
I would improve the quality and number of government schools so that more children can get education. I would ensure good health facilities for all. I would make sure that every citizen has a roof on their head.