The Art of Man-making: ‘Consciously focus on the positive aspects of life’

She was thrilled when she came to know she had been conferred the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values. “It was quite a long process. We had interviews and a written exam, so when I found out that I had cleared all of them, I was thrilled to know I had received this prestigious award,” shared Sohini Mondal of Class XII at Apeejay School, Noida.

In a candid interview, she talks about how to promote kindness and empathy.

Tell us about yourself.

I have chosen the PCMB stream. I am, at present, preparing for the NEET exam. As for my hobbies, I love reading novels and have always had a knack for art. Although I don’t get much time for it right now, I still have a deep passion for it.

What qualities or actions do you think helped you stand out and led you to this honour?

I believe my readiness to help others is one of the qualities that helped me stand out. I do fairly well in academics, and I often help my peers and juniors with notes or advice. I’ve found that teaching others strengthens my understanding of the concepts. Discussing this with my class teacher, we agreed that this quality was one of my strengths.

How do you try to promote kindness, empathy, and respect among your peers?

I try to lead by example. If I show kindness and empathy towards others, I believe I’ll receive the same in return. I try to make my interactions warm and understanding so that people feel comfortable and valued. That atmosphere of respect naturally spreads among peers.

How do you think your understanding of human values has evolved over the years?

My school has played a huge role in shaping my personality and values, both academic and non-academic. The environment has always been very supportive. This year, my class teacher, who nominated me, guided me throughout the process. I truly owe a lot of this achievement to her encouragement and belief in me.

One aspect of Dr Stya Paul that really inspires you.

His humanitarianism. It’s remarkable how he could turn his moral beliefs into tangible institutes that continue to help people. Despite being physically challenged, he never let that limit him. That determination and compassion really inspire me.

What advice would you like to give to younger students about human and moral values?

In Biology, we learn that haemoglobin has a higher affinity for carbon monoxide than for oxygen. Carbon monoxide is poisonous, while oxygen is essential for life. I feel the human mind is similar; it is often more attracted to negativity than positivity. My advice to younger students is to consciously focus on the positive aspects of life because ultimately, it’s the positive energy, like oxygen, that keeps humanity moving forward.