The Art of Man-making: Charity is a way of life for this winner of Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values

Being thrilled beyond words and jumping with joy was the reaction of this student of Apeejay School, Pitampura when her name was announced as the winner of the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values.  Krishna Kriti Bansal, a student of class IX even more determined to do more for society.

“Now that I have won this award I would work even more diligently and ensure that even my classmates get the opportunity to win,” Bansal said.

Excerpts from the interview.

What inspiration do you draw from Dr Stya Paul’s life?

He was a visionary. He set a target for himself to establish schools, colleges, and a university. To have this kind of vision so many decades back and achieve those is amazing and truly inspiring. He decided that he wants to be that change in society. I too want to be that change.

How and when were you nominated for the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values?

I think it was sometime in mid-year when my class teacher told me that a friend and I had been nominated to sit for this award. This announcement came totally out of the blue. But it was a nice surprise. I have only ever heard of Dr Stya Paul’s name and read a bit of his life. But I knew that if I wanted to do justice to his name and the award in his memory I would need to hit the books. That is what I did. There was so much to read about him.

I read his famous quote of Iqbal: Tu shaheen hai parwaz hai kaam tera, tere saamne aasman aur bhi hain. (You are a falcon, Soaring high is your nature. There are skies yet for you to conquer).

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“Huma values are a reflection of your personality. This means that it could be different for different people. But there are some basic principles that we should all live by. Discipline, being truthful, and being content with what you have”

-Krishna Kriti Bansal, a student at Apeejay School, Pitampura

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I was thrilled to win this award. I couldn’t believe that I had won. I was filled with a sense of pride that my name is associated with this award. Everyone congratulated me so that was amazing. What was even more rewarding was that I had faith in myself. When I was preparing for the test, though I was a bit apprehensive, I knew that if I followed my heart, I would ace it.

What do human values mean?

These are values that are a reflection of your personality. This means that it could be different for different people. But there are some basic principles that we should all live by. Discipline, being truthful, and being content with what you have are common values that each one of us should have.

What has been your parents’ contribution to building values in you?

There was a question that was asked in the test: What good deed have you done? One had to explain that with an example. I am the director of the Interact Club in school. Through this club, I have had plenty of opportunities to contribute to society. We did a wide range of things from contributing to the Roti Bank to teaching younger students at the school by staying back in the school. I have also been appointed as the Scribe.

The whole idea of doing things for others is something that I have learnt from my mother. My father does a lot of charity. It is a way of life for us at home. I think charity is the simplest act of kindness that one can do for another.

What are your goals?

I would like to take up Science and become a doctor or take up Humanities and study psychology. Both fields will allow me to serve society. I want to treat those who can’t afford to pay the fee for free.

What role have your teachers played in helping imbibe human values?

I would say that from the time I joined the school in the nursery each teacher has contributed in some way. I am grateful to each one of them for inculcating these values in me – from discipline to how to behave in public, I have learnt so much. I remember Prerna ma’am and Kavita ma’am and Yogita ma’am’s contribution is shaping me into what I am today.

Is it possible to be a lone ranger?

Yes, I am totally fine with the fact that I am standing alone. But, at the same time, I must make others understand the importance of human values so that we can together make India a better nation where there is peace and progress.