E-Paper
Turning 18 with HT: ‘Caste over merit is an unfair practice’
Playing fair: He is a national-level basketball player who is angered by the surge of militancy in Kashmir.
Karan Dutta hopes to see an India where there’s no caste-based quota and women feel safe
Name: Karan Dutta
Born on: June 26, 2000
Badge of honour: Head boy, DAV Public School, Sector 8 C, Chandigarh
What turning 18 means to me
It means having a greater civic responsibility as I’ll be able to cast my vote and drive.
What I want to be and why
I want to become a software engineer because it would mean turning my passion for video games into a profession. I also want to join the Indian Army. I am a national-level basketball player so I have the fitness and discipline required.
My idea of India
In our country, caste is favoured over merit due to reservation in education and employment. This is unfair. Jobs are scarce and child labour continues to exist. Women in India don’t feel safe. All this needs to change.
What makes me happy
Basketball, dogs, video games and books.
What makes me angry
The surge of militancy in Kashmir and the fact that women aren’t safe in our country.
Fear and fantasy
I have herpetophobia, the fear of reptiles.
My fantasy is to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the legendary Cleveland Cavaliers player LeBron James.
Am I happy where I am?
Yes, I’m excited about starting college as I’ll be living on my own for the first time.
What money means to me
Money can buy comfort and opportunities but it’s not everything. Family and friends take precedence over money.
What makes me proud of India
I’m very proud of the Indian Army. The hard work, vigilance and dedication are absolutely commendable.
What I can’t live without
My family, dogs and basketball. My father, Rakesh Mohan Dutta, who is an advocate in the Punjab and Haryana high court, my mother Neerja, an English lecturer at GMSSS (Sector 8), my sister Ada, who is pursuing bachelor of education (BEd) at Dev Samaj College and my cousin Vansh Rai Walia, a student of Class 12, are my support system.
What social media means to me
It has the potential of becoming a catalyst for social change. It allows people to highlight causes and gather support.
Change I’d like to see in Chandigarh
I’d like to see better basketball infrastructure in my city. More police personnel should be deployed to ensure women’s safety.
What religion means to me
Religion brings me peace of mind. All religions teach peace yet people continue to fight over religion. Respecting all is important.
My role model and why
My role models are LeBron James, Sunder Pichai and Mark Zuckerberg. All of them achieved success despite all odds.
