Niviston A, Koodankulam

Niviston’s is not an easy life. He lives in Idinthakarai, near the Koodankulam Nuc­lear Power Plant, where residents can’t leave home without their I-card. His shot at freedom, he feels, is when he can leave the country and get a well-paying job abroad.

What I want to be

I am doing my diploma in mechanical engineering and I dream of securing a job in that field abroad. But it is difficult to get a passport for any of us in Idinthakarai bec­a­use our village has been protesting against the Koo­­d­a­n­kulam Nuclear Plant.

What I think of India

There is no hope for me in India. I wanted to be a fisherman like my father but the future for us is so uncertain. We cannot catch fish near the Koodankulam plant for we will be chased off or shot at. My community is facing severe financial loss.

What makes me angry

I am angry with politicians. Look what happened in Bhopal—the Congress let off Warren Anderson even though so many people suffered. What will happen to us if there is a nuclear disaster?

Who I will vote for

All politicians are the same. I have heard about the right to reject a candidate. I may not even vote.

What religion means to me

I am religious because I grew up going to the church, but the church too has not done anything to improve our lot.

I’m most proud of

My village and its protest against the nuclear plant. Before the plant happened, our lives were peaceful. The best fishing catch was from this area but we have lost that. This reg­ion is disease-prone because of natural radiation from the soil but with the N-plant we are in more danger now. I don’t want to leave my village but I may not have a choice.

My idol

I like Kamalahaasan’s acting.