The Art of Man-making: ‘It’s important to respect everyone’

Human values serve as a vital foundation for students. Attributes such as honesty, integrity, and empathy play a key role in shaping a student’s character, earning admiration both personally and professionally. These values also help them cultivate meaningful relationships, positively impact their workplaces and lay the groundwork for sustained success in their careers. Meet one such student – Jahanavi Dhingra, a class XII student (academic year 2024-25) at Apeejay School, Saket.

In a candid interview, she talks about the values of Dr Stya Paul that inspire her.

How thrilled were you when you got it? 

I was really happy when I got the news about getting the award because I have been nominated for this award since class VI. So, it’s a very happy moment for me to finally get it.

Why do you think you were not selected earlier? What did you do differently this time? 

The last round of this award has a written component. When I was in class VI and reached the last round, I think the way I wrote my answers wasn’t up to the mark, and I probably wasn’t that confident during my interviews back then. This year, my answers were better written, and I was more confident than before.

What values of Dr Stya Paul truly inspire you? 

His punctuality and dedication to his work inspire me. I try to incorporate those values into my life as much as possible, especially in schoolwork.

How would you define human values? 

These values are the values that every person should have to make them a better person. They make you more humane and are essential for building a compassionate and ethical society. Kindness, punctuality, and dedication are really important. They are values that guide how we interact with others and approach life.

We are living in a world that can be very selfish. How do you live by these values or principles?

I agree that this is a selfish world. Sometimes, we must go against these values because you can’t always be nice in a tough world. For instance, there may be situations where being kind or accommodating is seen as a weakness, and you have to stand firm to protect your interests. However, I believe that following these principles as much as possible is important for personal growth and building strong relationships.

What values have your parents taught you? 

My parents have taught me everything I know. I’m grateful to them for my upbringing because it has helped me develop the values I have now. They taught me dedication to work. I’ve seen my father, who is a Computer Engineer, being so dedicated to his work that even if he gets a call in the middle of the night, he is ready to respond without hesitation. My mother, who is a homemaker, is also very dedicated. She likes to help people, especially in our family, and she helps me a lot too. Her compassion and selflessness inspire me greatly.

What role has the school played in teaching you values? 

The school has played a critical role in my life. From my teachers, I have learnt to be punctual in my work, to be kind to others, and to know my place. I have also learnt to be respectful towards my teachers, elders, juniors, and peers.

One value that is important to you, and how do you inculcate it? 

For me, it would be respect towards others. I believe if you respect others, they will automatically be kinder and more polite to you. Respect is a reflection of how you treat others, and it’s something everyone should practice. The best way to inculcate it is to consistently treat everyone — whether younger, older, or peers — with kindness and understanding.