Turning 18 with HT: ‘Helmets should be compulsory for girls’

She is proud of India’s rich and diverse culture and wants to pursue a career in the judiciary:

Name: Gauri Chander Kaushal

Born on: July 7, 2000

Badge of honour: Head girl, Pandit Mohan Lal SD Public School, Sector 32 C, Chandigarh

What turning 18 means to me

It’s a special feeling. There is not only a sense of adulthood but also of more freedom. I am looking forward to new options. There is a baggage of responsibilities yet it is an exciting phase.

What I want to be and why

I’m a commerce student and want to pursue a career in the judiciary. I like debating and want to be a judge one day. The judiciary is a powerful and respected profession. I feel I can make a difference with this profession. I’ll be taking the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) and hope to make it to Panjab University.

My idea of India

I’m a proud of our rich and diverse culture. But there is scope for improvement in our judicial system. The shortage of judges and the case pendency are issues that need to be addressed.

What makes me happy

I’m a Punjabi at heart. I’m bubbly and cheerful. Little things excite me. Being the reason for the smile on my mother’s face makes me happy.

What makes me angry

All these reports of rapes are disgusting. It’s sad that women are not safe in a country that worships goddesses. Corruption makes me angry too because India is a potential superpower but such acts hinder our progress.

My fear and fantasy

I am claustrophobic. I fear getting into lifts. I also fear losing. I understand one must accept defeat at times but I still fear losing.

It’s my fantasy to become famous.

Am I happy where I am?

Yes, my Class 12 board exams are over and I hope to score well. I like being content in the present and look forward to the future to make things better.

What money means to me

Money may not be the most important thing in life but it influences our choices. I want to make enough money to ensure my family has all the comforts. As singer Bob Marley said, “Money is numbers and numbers never end.” If you want to find happiness in money, you’ll never get that.

What makes me proud of India

It’s my country and I’m proud of it. The sense of belongingness, the values and respect for relations make me proud to be an Indian.

What I can’t live without

I can’t live without food, my phone and my family. I am attached to my parents and elder sister. My father, Ishwar Chander Kaushal, is in the real estate business, while my mother, Anjna, teaches English at a school in Mandi Gobindgarh. My elder sister, Medha, is a third year college student.

What social media means to me

Social media is a great platform to connect. We can bond with anyone, anywhere at any time. You can give your opinions, know other people’s views and discuss issues as well. My personal favourite social media site is Instagram and I use it actively.

Change I want to see in Chandigarh

Chandigarh is a beautiful city and I’m proud to belong to this place. As my parents tell me, earlier the mobility on roads was easy in contrast to today’s traffic jams. So, Chandigarh traffic needs to be streamlined. It will be a good if wearing helmets for girls is made compulsory. My parents make sure I never leave home without wearing a helmet.

Changes I want to see in India

Gender equality, a casteless society, stronger law and order and speedier justice are the changes I want to see in my country.

What religion means to me

I am a firm believer. Religion is not above humanity and one’s religious practices should not disrupt another’s peace. I believe in a superpower that sets things right.

My role model and why

My mother is my role model. She’s always smiling, even in the face of problems. She is independent and has raised me to be independent too. She has made me realise my strengths.