Turning 18 with HT: ‘Learn to treat women with more respect’
‘I want to become a travel journalist. It’s because I am fascinated by new places and writing is a passion.’
A poet who wants to travel the world and write about it, this talented girl wants residents of Chandigarh to be less judgmental and more accepting. Ditto for the rest of India too.
Name: Jugat Gulati
Born: 11 March, 2000
Badge of honour: The school pupil leader, Carmel Convent, Chandigarh
On turning 18
It means becoming an adult. I have mixed emotions about it. It means stepping out of my comfort zone into a new territory, so it is a little scary as well.
What do I want to be and why
I want to become a travel journalist. It’s because I am fascinated by new places and writing is a passion. It’s so enriching to explore new cultures. But as of now, I am focusing on international relations and law.
My idea of India
It’s an amazing country, so vibrant and culturally diverse. It’s also making rapid strides towards becoming a developed nation.
Fear and fantasy
As much as I like exploring new places, meeting new people scares me. I have done my entire schooling at one place, I have had the same set of friends all my life, the idea of interacting with new people is a little forbidding. My fantasy has already come true. I always wanted to be my school leader, and it was the happiest day of my life when I was given this position.
I can’t live without
I can’t live without writing. Half the things I write don’t make sense but I have to pen them down. I have been writing poetry since I was in Class IV. Now I keep a diary. I also have an Instagram page on which I upload my poems.
What makes me happy?
I am the happiest when I am travelling. I love the whole drill, right from packing my clothes to going through the security check and waking through the airport. And a good Wi-Fi connection only makes it more enjoyable.
Are you happy at the moment?
Yes, I am content.
What makes me angry?
I get very angry when people say mean and vicious things about those who are dear to me.
What do you think about social media?
Anything in excess is bad, but I feel social media is a great platform for showcasing your talent. I use it to broadcast my poetry. It can also be used for gaining knowledge.
What does religion mean to me?
I don’t believe in rituals. You can’t stick to the rules written so long ago. You have to change with time. And you have to get rid of superstitions.
What does money mean to me?
Money can’t buy happiness but if you travel you need it. So in that sense it can buy you happiness. I want to earn enough so at to meet my needs and be happy but I don’t want to go overboard in its pursuit.
The change I want to see in India
I want to change the mindset of our people. Look at our irrational reaction to ‘Padmaavat’. Can’t we even distinguish between fact and fiction? We also need to seriously change our attitude towards women. We need to work on being respectful to women. I also wish we were more accepting of opposing viewpoints. Right now, we tend to be very dogmatic about our views and refuse to hear any discordant notes. I want to see a more accepting India. We need more balance, even in politics.
What I admire the most about India
I admire its diversity. It is such a potpourri. I love trying out various kinds of regional cuisines.
What I want to change in Chandigarh
I think Chandigarh, the city, is great but its people need to change. They have a closed mindset and refuse to accept any change. At times, they can also be very shallow and materialistic.
My role model
My mother. Ever since I was a little girl, I have admired her resilience and her strength of character. She inspires me.