

Every dream begins as a small spark, and at Deccan Herald in Education (DHiE) — we set out to listen to those sparks. For Children’s Day, we asked school students about the futures they imagine for themselves. Their words are sincere, bold, and deeply moving. Some dream of healing, some of leading, some of discovering the unknown — but all dream with purpose.
Ever since I was five, the sky has always fascinated me. I would gaze at it for hours, dreaming of flying among the stars as a pilot or an astronaut. As I grew older, another dream took root – the desire to understand my nation, its people and to lead them towards progress. I discovered my passion for political science. Then I thought – why not combine both? Why can’t I be like Dr A P J. Abdul Kalam – a scientist who reached for the stars and a leader who guided the nation. My ambition isn’t just to become the Prime Minister or an astronaut – it’s to serve my country. I want to join the Indian Air Force, explore space, and use my knowledge to make India stronger. The sky was never my limit; it was only the beginning.
VIDULA M
CLASS 10
CHINMAYA VIDYALAYA, HALASURU
I want to be a psychologist when I grow up. I've always been interested in how our minds work and how our thoughts, feelings, and experiences shape who we are. I think that every person should be understood and helped, especially those who have trouble with their emotions or staying focused. Recently at school, I worked on a project and created a “pHocus Helmet” for people on managing stress and improving concentration. We got selected for the national level. That experience really moved me and showed me how science and compassion can work together to make a difference.
SRESHTA M NAIR
CLASS 10
JUBILEE ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL
I’ve always been curious about how planes fly, but now that curiosity has grown into a real dream — I want to become a pilot. The thought of flying above the clouds, seeing the sunrise from the cockpit, and exploring the world fills me with excitement. Becoming a pilot feels like the perfect mix of adventure and discipline. It’s a path that requires effort and commitment, and I’m ready to take that on. I may be dreaming now, but one day, I’ll be flying.
LEA BALAMURUGAN
CLASS 10,
RYAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, KUNDALAHALLI
I have always been fascinated by how science can help uncover the truth. My dream is to become a forensic doctor, using my knowledge to help people and bring justice to those who cannot speak for themselves.
NEHA SHREE K
CLASS 10
EAST WEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, MYSURU
My ambitions are to serve my nation as an ‘IAS officer’ and to become a cardiologist to save the lives of people, as many as I can, who suffer from cardiovascular problems at a low cost. To achieve these, I’ll complete ‘MBBS’, ‘MD’ in general medicine and ‘DM’ in cardiology. After this, I’ll go to crack UPSC-CSE to become an ‘IAS officer’.
THEERTHARAJ M
CLASS 10
SADVIDYA HIGH SCHOOL, MYSURU
Since my childhood, I had bountiful ideas, one of which was to become an engineer. I decided to become an engineer because this is a field of lifelong learning. It gives global opportunities, I can be an innovator of new ideas, and more than anything, I want to contribute something to my motherland, India.
SAHITHYA
CLASS 10
SADVIDYA HIGH SCHOOL
When I was younger, I wanted to be like my paediatrician, who seemed to have the answer to every sickness. Later, in my sixth grade, my attention mercurially shifted towards becoming an astrophysicist, captivated by movies that explored worlds beyond our own. Now, as a tenth grader, I find myself surrounded by endless opportunities, each one holding its own appeal. I have come to realise that it is normal to feel uncertain. Guidance from teachers, family, and friends, along with your own understanding of what you’re truly good at, helps shape the right path. Whatever profession I choose in the future, whether it be a paediatrician, an astrophysicist, or something entirely different, I want my work to bring value and purpose to those around me.
NEHA ELIZABETH RICHARD
CLASS 10
SOPHIA HIGH SCHOOL
Since childhood, I have dreamt of becoming an IAS officer—not merely as a career goal, but as a calling to serve people and bring real change to society. The respect and responsibility that come with this role inspire me every day. My family’s support and my father’s stories about dedicated officers have always motivated me to aim high. Once I achieve this dream, I aspire to serve with honesty, transparency, and unwavering dedication.
RAGHAV SHIVSHARANAPPA
CLASS 10
CHANDRAKANT PATIL PUBLIC SCHOOL CBSE, KALABURAGI
I have always dreamed of becoming a doctor. I personally believe that doctors are real-life heroes who save lives and bring comfort to people in pain. I see them as superheroes but without a cape. I want to become a doctor primarily to serve the society and help the people who can’t afford proper treatment. Since childhood, I have always been fascinated about how the human body works, which makes it more exciting. I believe that being a doctor is not just a profession, but a service to humanity. I know it takes a lot of effort and dedication to become one, and I am ready to work hard and make my parents proud.
AMRUTHA S VAIDYA
CLASS 10
CHRIST CMI PUBLIC SCHOOL, GUNDLUPET
When I grow up, I want to be an entrepreneur who turns creative ideas into reality. My goal is to build innovative solutions that make people’s lives better and help our country move forward. I am passionate about working to solve issues in the education sector because I believe that a good education should not be a privilege, but a basic right for everyone.
YAHYA ALI
CLASS 10
MOUNT LITERA ZEE SCHOOL, KALABURAGI
I find myself deeply reflecting on the future that lies ahead — not just for me, but for my country, India. As I aspire to become a doctor, my vision goes beyond the conventional role of a healer, to be a steward of health, striving to reshape the healthcare landscape of our nation. In a country where healthcare still remains a challenge for many, I want to bridge this gap, bringing hope and care to those who need it most.
SYED SHARJEEL HAFEEZ DESAI
CLASS 10
KENBRIDGE SCHOOL, KALBURAGI
Every teenager has a dream that guides them in life. For me, it is becoming an aeronautical engineer. Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the science that allowed jets and aircraft to stay up in the sky and move with such great speeds. To achieve this dream, I plan on concentrating my focus towards subjects like physics and mathematics, which will help me understand the principles of aerodynamics. I want to be part of the team that make air travel faster, safer and cheaper.
BHAVISHYA JAVANGULA
CLASS 10
MEGA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
When I grow up, I want to become an astrophysicist. The mysteries of the universe - black holes, galaxies, and cosmic origins - fascinate me deeply. I dream of exploring space through science, solving equations that explain how stars are born and how time bends. Astrophysics blends imagination with logic, and I love both. I want to study at the top university, Caltech, work with telescopes at ISRO, and contribute to discoveries that help humanity understand the cosmos. It’s not just a career to me - it’s a calling to unlock the secrets of the stars.
SAANVI JHA
CLASS 10
RYAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, KUNDALAHALLI
I want to become a cybersecurity professional. In this generation there is also a dark side of internet and many common people are getting scammed by believing everything they see on the internet. And also I have noticed a lots of such cases in news papers and in some articles, and I have a lot of curiosity in me and also love to investigate, so I decided to become a cyber crime security professional. And this quote always inspires me: "You don't have to be great to start, you have to start to be great".
SMRITI ANAND
CLASS 7
SACRED HEART GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL
When I grow up, I want to be a noble and good-hearted person. My dream is to become an athlete because I love the feeling of working hard and pushing myself to do better every day. When I run or play, I feel free and strong, like I can do anything if I stay focused and keep trying. I know it takes a lot of discipline and patience, but that’s what I like about it. It teaches me to believe in myself and never give up, no matter how difficult things get. This is my dream, and I want to build it step by step, with honesty, hard work, and heart.
ALWIN MATTHEW
CLASS 10
FUSCO’S SCHOOL
As a child, I often saw my dad leave early for work and come back late, too tired to spend time with us. Weekends were no different—he was either working or resting from work. This made me feel like life was just a tiring cycle of work and sleep, with little joy. I've always loved being creative and excelled in school projects. At first, I thought about becoming a businessman, but after reading “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” I realized that running a big company means constant stress. So, I decided to pursue my passion for writing. Recently, inspired by anime, I started creating my own story called “Elements & Beast,” about power, friendship, and intelligence.
ATHARV M
TALC