The Art of Man-making: ‘Being kind is a fundamental aspect of our existence’

In this day and age when everything and everyone is looked upon with cynicism and skepticism to be able to still on to one’s actions and continue to do good and not be discouraged from spreading kindness is a challenge. But the act of being kind and empathetic towards those around us, whether we know them or not, is a fundamental aspect of our existence that we should strive to embody, says the winner of the coveted Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values in 2011.

“The human values that I embody and cherish have been deeply ingrained in me since my childhood by my parents. From a young age, I was blessed to grow up in a loving and nurturing environment where the importance of being compassionate and kind was given importance,” says Aakash Srivastava, who is an alumnus of However, it is an individual’s prerogative and the way they perceive human values. Apeejay Institute of Technology-School of Architecture and Planning (AIT-SAP).

Excerpts from an interview.

Tell us about yourself. Where are you working?

Following my graduation from AIT-SAP in 2011, I gained experience working with multiple Architecture & Design Studios throughout India. Over the course of six years, I have led several design teams within these studios. While working as a consultant, I developed an interest in the Real Estate sector and decided to transition my career accordingly. Recently, I completed my studies as a full-time student in the MSc Real Estate program at the NUS Business School in Singapore.

Professors at the institute who helped you reach where you are today.

I would like to express my gratitude to two individuals who have been instrumental in shaping my career during my undergraduate studies: Dr Asesh Kumar Maitra, our esteemed Dean, and Deval Kumar Rajwanshi, our Director. Their unwavering support and guidance have been invaluable to me. In addition, I cannot overlook the significant contributions made by several core faculty members during my undergraduate programme like Sumi Agarwal, Promica Cally, Bipasha Basu, Meenu Sikka, and Aditya Singh. They have all been instrumental in my academic and personal growth. Their warmth and care have left an indelible mark on me.

I owe a debt of gratitude to my thesis guide, Vijay Garg, who is a former COA vice-president. He played a pivotal role in helping me successfully navigate the final hurdle of my architectural thesis, which resulted in my achieving the highest score. I remain in contact with all of these individuals to this day, and I am blessed to have their ongoing support and encouragement.

When and how did you hear about Dr Stya Paul Awards for Human Values?

Before my pre-final year, I had not been aware of the existence of this award. It was not until two of my close friends, who had consistently been top performers throughout the past four years, brought it to my attention.

The selection process began with the Head of Department nominating students who met specific criteria. These students were then required to complete detailed forms that highlighted their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal accomplishments. Following this, the nominated students had to go through a series of interviews with a panel of judges. The interview process was extremely strenuous. Despite the challenges, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this process and learn more about the award and selection criteria.

The human values that I embody and cherish have been deeply ingrained in me since my childhood by my parents. From a young age, I was blessed to grow up in a loving and nurturing environment where the importance of being compassionate and kind and being humble was  consistently emphasized

–Aakash Srivastava, Alumnus of Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture and Planning

Why and how were you chosen?

There were a few things that worked in my favor during my time at the institute. First, I was elected as the leader for my cohort in my first year, and eventually for the entire institution. During my time as a leader, I implemented positive changes that were recognised and appreciated by the faculty and student community. Second, my academic performance. While I started as an average student, I began to improve after my third year and finally reached the top five in my final year. Third, I believe that thanks to my parent, my upbringing in a cultured and value-based environment had a significant impact on my success.

How does one do an act of kindness today when everything is looked at with suspicion?

The act of being kind and empathetic towards those around us, whether we know them or not, is a fundamental aspect of our existence that we should strive to embody. The gratification that comes with such actions is immeasurable, and we should prioritise these values over the opinions of others. Overall, the key is to approach acts of kindness with a genuine desire to make a positive impact and to be respectful and aware of the feelings and boundaries of those around us.

What do human values mean to you?

Human values are essential, a part of us, and tell a lot about our upbringing and our becoming. For me, human values are fundamental principles that govern how humans behave and interact with each other. These values are shaped by cultural, societal, and individual beliefs and are integral to shaping one’s character, relationships, and worldview. Examples of human values include compassion, honesty, respect, responsibility, empathy, and integrity. These values help individuals to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives, make ethical decisions, and contribute positively to society.

Is it tough to live with these values today?

Living by human values can sometimes be challenging, especially in today’s fast-paced and competitive world. It can be difficult to prioritise kindness, empathy, and compassion when faced with pressures to succeed, meet deadlines, and navigate complex relationships. Additionally, some may view kindness and empathy as weaknesses and may take advantage of those who demonstrate these values.

You are working now. Is it still possible to do acts of kindness in this day and age?

The human values that I embody and cherish have been deeply ingrained by my parents. I was blessed to grow up in a loving and nurturing environment where the importance of being compassionate, kind, and grounded was consistently emphasised. Living by these values has become an integral part of who I am. They are not just external actions or behaviours that I put on display for others.

Irrespective of my profession, circumstances, or age, these values have remained an inherent part of my character. They have served as my guiding principles and have helped me navigate through various challenges and situations with a sense of compassion and empathy. By treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy, we can inspire others to do the same and create a ripple effect that can lead to positive change.