‘The smile on my parent’s face was unforgettable when I won the prestigious award’

It is a special feeling to receive an award as a student. Most of us as students have received some kind of an award or recognition for academic, cultural or sporting excellence. But to receive an award for both embodying and practicing moral values in one’s conduct as a human being is something totally spectacular.

Meet Krishna Chhabra, an Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri alumnus. He is currently pursuing his MBBS degree from Siddhartha Medical College in Andhra Pradesh. As a school student, he not only received the prestigious Dr. Stya Paul award for moral values but also secured the Apeejay Talent Search Examination (ATSE) scholarship. In an exclusive interview, the budding doctor reminisces about his feelings after being awarded, delineates his ATSE experience and also gives hints about his future plans of serving humanity. Edited excerpts:  

Tell us about your experience of clearing ATSE scholarship?

For me, the feeling of clearing the ATSE exam was really very nice. It is the dream of every Apeejayite to clear this prestigious exam. I studied very hard for it and my efforts did not go in vain. I was also awarded a scholarship of 750 rupees per month. ATSE really helped me to boost my confidence by providing me a chance to prove myself, and I also think that every student should consider this exam as an opportunity to find his or her talent.

What are you pursuing currently?

Currently, I am pursuing an MBBS degree from the Siddhartha Medical College, (Government College) in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. After class 12, I cleared the NEET exam and secured a seat in this college.

How did your school help you in clearing the ATSE exam?

In clearing the ATSE exam, I received a lot of guidance and support from my school. My teachers were always with me and all my fellow batchmates also helped me. They readily cleared my doubts at every stage of preparation. I believe that in order to do anything the first step is to find the right direction. In that regard, I was very fortunate that I was in a lovely school with the best teachers who always guided me properly.

You were among the rare students to be awarded with the Dr. Stya Paul award at school. Tell us about that?

Receiving the prestigious Dr. Stya Paul award was truly one of the best days of my life. This award means a lot since it is not for one’s academic excellence, but for one’s behavior and moral values. We must embody and practice throughout our lives the values our parents and teachers have inculcated in us. The day I won the award, that smile on my mother and father’s faces was unforgettable.

What are your future targets?

After completing my MBBS and master’s degree, I will work as a doctor and treat patients to the best of capability. Alongside that, with my doctor friends, I will form an organisation and from time to time hold health camps in different villages of our nation. 

I want to serve humanity and if I get the opportunity I would also like to spend some years of my life as a teacher. In between all this, I also have this dream of exploring and experiencing the cultures of the different corners of the world.