‘My father taught me the value of positive thinking’

As a young boy, Danish Jain from Jalandhar wished he would see his photo in a newspaper one day. “To fulfill my wish, my father once got my photo published in the birthday column of a local daily,” the 21-year-old recalls. That is when he pledged to achieve something big enough to make him deserving of being featured in a newspaper.

Danish fulfilled his promise soon — his photo made it to a newspaper for being a school topper in his board exam. Continuing his winning streak, he recently bagged the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in design.

Danish was among the two students who won the award after being interviewed by principal Neerja Dhingra and heads of different departments. “Initially 20 students were nominated from different departments, who had to clear these interviews followed by a written test to finally win the award,” the fourth-year student explains.

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Hailing from a family that runs their own business, Danish grew up in an environment where he was taught to believe in positive thinking in the face of all ups and downs. “My father, who is my role model, is always optimistic. I have learnt from him how positive thinking gives you courage to face every adversity and eventually turn things in your favour,” he says.

Honesty is another virtue that holds great importance in Danish’s life. “If I were to give you the example of a business, it is all about earning your customer’s trust. And that can happen only when you deliver what you promise. This essentially means you have to do your work with honesty and never cheat anybody, which is something I follow,” he states.

Gearing up to complete his college degree, Danish is aware of the severe competition among the youth today, guided by their relentless ambition. But he does not believe in thwarting others’ intentions to achieve one’s goals.

“You need to focus on improving your skills rather than worrying about others. I believe in competing with myself,” says the student, who has been a meritorious student himself.

At college, the interior design student has been involved in various initiatives. “I volunteered in many programmes as part of the National Service Scheme (NSS) club and Student Welfare Association (SWA). Apart from that, our department also hosts design exhibitions both at college and outside. We have visited ashrams and volunteered to design their interiors as well.”

Teamwork is crucial, the awardee adds. “Participating in activities teaches you leadership skills and the value of team spirit where each person is accountable and has to perform assigned duties. You have to treat everybody equally and work together as a unit.”