Age -17

Grade – 9

Family Situation - A large family of Uncle, grandmother, sister, brother in law, niece, 2 younger sisters and 2 aunts. Both Dad and Mom left home.

Judan chose education over family. His Dad left home following a squabble with the family when Chudan was very young. A few years after Chudan’s Dad left, his mom readied to leave after a similar fight. Young Chudan wanted to leave along with his mother. But his Uncle (mom’s brother) warned him that he will get no education if he leaves home. Since his Uncle financed his education, he had to stay back. Chudan chose education over living with his mom.

Judan said that he sometimes becomes mad at his mom. Even then, he feels that his anger is not really justified. When asked about his feelings, Chudan added that his mom loves him more than his sisters. He thinks it is because he is a boy. “Moms love sons better”, said Chudan with a smile. He added that though his mom didn’t marry again, she lives with another man. Chudan shared with me his ambition of being a policeman. As he talked, he told me how much he would like to serve the society and beat up the thugs. And his friends remark that he enjoys beating them up too.