Human values play a crucial role in a student’s life as they shape their character, behaviour, and decision-making process. These values are essential for the holistic development of students and are instrumental in guiding their actions.
Hence, it is not surprising that students today are going out of their way to be part of community service like Clean Yamuna Program, Clean Gurugram, teaching the underprivileged kids, raising money to feed the hungry and or creating communities to rescue and feed the strays like cattle and dogs and cats.
To honour students, Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values is given to Apeejay students who exemplify and exhibit good human values in their day-to-day life. The recipients of this prestigious award are felicitated every year with a citation and scholarship on the special occasion of Founder’s Day. Meet Noor Kohli, a class IX student of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg in Jalandhar, who is the recipient of this coveted award.
In an impromptu interview, she talks about what human values mean to her among other things.
Tell us about yourself.
I have recently gone into class IX. Till last year, I was a student of Apeejay School, Tanda Road in Jalandhar. I was nominated and conferred the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values when I was in class VII in 2021.
When and how did you hear about your nomination?
This was the time when the classes were still online. One day, I got a call from the class teacher that I had been nominated. I was told that day and time when I would have to go to the school for the interview.
Did you know about these awards?
Yes. I was in class VI at Apeejay School, Tanda Road when my friend’s elder brother was conferred the award. That is how I knew about it. I had also read a lot about Dr Stya Paul and his book Reflections in Time. What inspired me about his life was that he was so humble and good to people.
“Human values are traits where you must help others. It need not be a very big help or give money to someone in need. Even a small act like helping your friend is good. There is a reason why God has put on this Earth – to help others”
–Noor Kohli, a class IX student of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg in Jalandhar
Were you nervous during the interview?
There is bound to be some jitters since I was going blind. I had tried to know as much as I could about the test but there was very little that I got to know. My mother called a senior of mine who had won the award and she told me the process. But she also said that there are no set questions that I would be asked. I was also told that I must behave and act formally all the time and put my best foot forward.
What do human values mean to you?
These are traits where you must help others. It need not be a very big help or give money to someone in need. Even a small act like helping your friend is good. There is a reason why God has put on this Earth – to help others. Not everyone is in the position to do so. Only a few lucky ones are given a chance to do something for others. So, when you get a chance, do not hesitate; go and help.
What was the reaction of your parents/friends when you won the award?
They were so thrilled. I could see the happiness in my mother’s eyes when I got a call that I had won. My teachers were extremely proud of me as well. That gave me a lot of happiness. Even I, for a few minutes, couldn’t believe that I had got the award; it was so surreal.
My friends were thrilled for me. They have always been supportive of me. The best part was that after I won, they gave me chocolate. It was the sweetest gesture ever. I am thankful that I have such great friends.
What is some of the charity work that you are associated with?
Each year on my birthday, I go a mandir near my house and distribute food to the kids there. If it is not possible to cook food at home and give, I buy things like biscuits, juice, fruits to name a few and give it to the children. I have been doing this since I was in class IV.
In school, there are some drives that are conducted – to collect old clothes to give to the needy. I have been part of this initiative as well. Last year, we went to a charitable institute. We were told that we could give food and other items. I was part of that as well.
How did you get inspired to do charity work?
I have to thank my mother for this. Almost every weekend she goes to an NGO and does some voluntary work. She regularly donates clothes and things that the people there may need.