Taking an active part: Shiv Kumar from India
In a small series we will introduce young people from around the world who are committed to children´s rights and the objectives of terre des hommes.
Shiv Kumar (17) from India
1. Which place in your area is your favorite one?
My favourite place in our area is Pachmari, it is a »hill station« nearby and has springs, colourful Lotus flowers, lakes and melodious music of waterfalls, green gardens, artistic hills and caves. Due to its spiritual inheritance and peace and beauty it is called as »Queen of Satpura ranges«. Satpuras is the name of the mountain range.
2. Which profession do you want to exercise later and do you think that you can make this world a better place through your profession?
I would like to become a journalist later. I will highlight the problems of people honestly without fear so that they get justice and try to find solution to their problems then this world will be a better place.
3. What do you like doing in your free time?
In free time I like to visit various places and write about them.
4. Why are you working on children rights and what are you doing concretely to improve the life conditions of children and youth in your region?
We are working on children’s rights because many of them are unaware of their rights, once they are aware, then they can demand their rights like education and play. To improve the life condition of children: we organise workshop for children to make them aware about their rights. For youth: we form committees of youth at village and block levels in order to build up their capacities particularly on ecological rights
5. Do you have a role model?
My role model is the founder member and director of Dalit Sangh because after his intervention in my life and village many things have changed. He guides us to achieve our rights, build up educated civil society of justice and dignity for all.
6. If you could change your life with somebody else for one day: which one you would choose?
If I could change my life with somebody else for one day, I will choose Honorable Dr. APJ Kalam not only because he is the ex-president of India but also because of his simplicity, honesty and idealistic thinking as when I meet him he inspired me for plantation, helping my village people to be educated and to highlight the heroics of village as a child reporter.
7. What is your last dream that you can remember?
I dreamt of having wings of rights and flying like a bird on the greenery.
8. Once in a lifetime I absolutely want to...
... get an opportunity to play a vital role in decision making in favour of children’s rights and dignity of women.
9. If you could rule the world for one day: what would be your first law?
If I become a ruler of the world for one day then the first law would be »Each person should compulsory plant at least one fruit tree«.
10. Do you have a message for our readers?
I always want to say: Get education - spread education and implement this so that all children can go to school.
