The Art of Man-making: ‘Human values come from the heart’

Human values are essential for students today because they provide a moral and ethical compass in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Values like empathy, respect, integrity, and compassion, guide students in making responsible decisions and building positive relationships. These values promote personal well-being and mental health, helping students navigate the challenges of the modern digital age. Instilling human values in students equips them with the tools they need to lead fulfilling, socially responsible lives and contribute positively to society.

Therefore, Apeejay Education is committed to the holistic development of students and ensures that they become ethical human beings with the highest standards of honesty, humility, and integrity. The students who personify and exhibit these values in their daily lives are awarded the prestigious and coveted Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values.

This year Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park announced these awards for the first time, and therefore for students like Aaditya Nath Mathur – MYP 4 student, the award was so much sweeter.

In a candid interview, he talks about his reaction to receiving this prestigious award.

How does it feel to get this award?

I am honoured that I have been selected to get this coveted award. It is not an award that is handed out sparingly. So it feels really good that the school has recgonised me and a couple of other students for this award.

When did you come to know that you were being conferred with Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values?

Before I received this award, there were a couple of rounds of interviews a few months after I was nominated. After the interviews were done, we were left in the dark for a while. Then one day we came to know that the names would be announced on Founder’s Day. It was then that I got to know that my name had been selected. I couldn’t believe my ears since there were other students who I thought were very good. But I was ecstatic when my name was finally announced.

Were you aware of these awards?

Yes, I had heard about these awards beforehand. I had heard about them last year. This is the first time that the school has given the students a chance to participate in the same. Hence, I am doubly honoured that I am one of the first to have received it.

What do human values mean to you?

They are skills that you have but nobody can necessarily teach these to you. These values need to come from the heart. However, these values can be sharpened over time. It is not as if you can be taught to be caring or taught to be empathetic. That is what IB school stands for as well – to enhance the abilities that are within.

What role have your parents played in strengthening these values?

They have had a huge role to play in how I have been brought up. At the same time, they have taught me to be independent too. A lot of these human values have not been forced upon me. Instead, they asked me why I have to be caring and how I can be caring.  This means that values have now seeped into my subconscious. My parents are great and try to incorporate these small teachings all through.

Why do you think you were chosen for this award?

I work with a couple of NGOs – they hire people with disabilities. There was a fundraiser that my sister was part of and I got the opportunity to speak with these people. I learnt from them the different opportunities that they get and how life has thrown them a curve ball. Yet, they face life bravely in the face of adversity. These are small learnings that I was exposed to and little by little values are getting ingrained in me.

What has your learning been from these interactions?

I have learnt the hardships they have faced and yet they are resilient and focused on what they want. I admire them for the fact that they have goals and they care about what others have to say. It takes a lot of courage to go against the tide and do something.

How do you connect human values in an overly competitive environment?

Everything is very competitive today and you have to be first at everything and be the best. The first thing to remember is the hard work you have put in, be it personal or academic life. The process for me is the growth and not the result. If I notice that I have gone from point A to point B that is good enough for me. Even failure is a growth phase for me.