have just completed my 12th standard. I am the first one in my family to pass the tenth standard.

My father does not have a proper job and my mother works as a housemaid.

I have two older sisters and one younger. My ambition is to specialise in microbiology because I am told I will get a good job if I study that subject. I want a good job.

I will definitely vote. After all, it is the first time in my life that I am getting a chance to exercise my franchise. I feel nobody should abstain from voting.

Not all politicians are bad, we should not condemn all politicians. For example, I appreciate what the Tamil Nadu chief minister [J Jayalalithaa] has been doing for students.

I want the next government to give free education to all poor students. For the last two years, my education has been sponsored by an Indian lady who lives in America.

Otherwise, my parents would have found it very difficult. I feel the rich in India can emulate her and take care of some poor students.

I also want the next government to provide more employment opportunities. Yes, in the last few years, job opportunities have improved. My mother tells me that 10 years ago, it was very bad. Now, my sister changes jobs quite frequently. The situation is such that if you try hard, you can land a decent job. So, I would say India is shining.

I really like our prime minister, Vajpayee. I feel he is very honest. Though I have nothing against Sonia Gandhi, I strongly feel that an Indian should rule India, and not a foreigner! More than that, in India, nobody is as good as Vajpayee.

As told to Siddhu Warrier

Next: 'What we desperately need are statesmen'

My India is this India