Sunita Gora Wachani, Gadchiroli

At age 12, when children are deciding on toys or books, Sunita had to pick between a (child) marriage and (forced) employment with Naxals. She chose neither. With her elder brother’s help, Sunita left her village Karampalli and came to a residential school for girls (KGBV) in Bhamragad, Gadchiroli, cut off from her 18-member family save for her brother. 

What I want to be

A police officer. The Naxal movement is strong here. They take girls and boys to join the movement. I’m saving Rs 50 every month that I get from a state scheme

My idea of India

India is a sweet home where different people live together with love for each other.

What religion means to me

It doesn’t hold much importance for me.

Am I happy where I am?

Yes, but like everyone else I would like to move on from where I am. I have never gone out of Bhamragad. I want to see Mumbai, see how people live there.

What money means to me

It is that food which never satisfies hunger.

What I can’t live without

My watch.

My fantasy

To fly in the sky.