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The Art of man-making: ‘Dr Stya Paul’s philanthropy inspires me to be like him’

Prabhav Gupta, who was awarded the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values says one should lead by example to bring a change

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A brilliant scholar and a table tennis player who has been India ranked No 32 and Delhi ranked No 16 is the winner of the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values this year. Meet Prabhav Gupta, a student of class XI at Apeejay School, Pitampura. Studying Science (non-medical) this sports enthusiast is all set to pursue Computer Science if he is lucky to qualify for the same.

“Being nominated for this prestigious award was good enough for me. After all, very few make the cut. So, when it was finally announced that I had won, it was truly an amazing moment for me because I was not expecting it. Other deserving students were competing with me for this award,” Gupta said.

Excerpts from an interview:

One aspect of Dr Stya Paul’s life that inspires you.

His philanthropy inspires me. I would want to be like him. Dr Stya Paul was always there to help others; he never thought about himself. If someone needed help, he was there standing by his side helping him in whichever way he could.

What do human values signify?

These are the most important aspects of our lives. Even if we have all the knowledge in the world, if we are not good human beings, the knowledge comes to naught. A person’s worth is not measured by how accomplished he/she is in life; the mark of a true person lies in his/her behaviour toward others. Values like honesty, being truthful, discipline, showing respect to others, and service to society are what define a person.

Why does knowledge not count when it comes to human values?

Knowledge needs to come riders on how one can use it for the betterment of society. A person who has no values may not have any issues using his education that can harm others. Such people are only looking after their interests. But we live in a society and it is our job to contribute in a manner where everyone progresses and not just one person.



“Full credit goes to my teachers for shaping me into the person I am today. They have played an integral role in my development and every achievement. They motivated and guided me at each step in my journey”

Prabhav Gupta, a student of class XI at Apeejay School, Pitampura



How difficult is it to live in an environment where not everyone is honest or truthful?

It works the other way around. It is the honest people and those who speak the truth who thrive. Crime never pays even if it looks like it does. We all know that looks can be deceptive. A crook is always caught – sooner or later. Dishonest people have to be on their guard at all times. An honest person has nothing to hide. So, being truthful comes naturally to such people.

Is it tough to tell your parents you have done something wrong?

The first step if a person has done something wrong is to accept that he/she is in the wrong and feel sorry about the same. If we can cross this step, it is not difficult to approach anybody and accept the fact that we have erred – in this our parents – who will be proud that we had the guts, to be honest.

What are some of the values instilled in you since childhood?

I have been playing table tennis for the last 10 years. With sports comes discipline. But there were times when I would get a bit upset when I felt I couldn’t cope with my studies and sports. I am the kind of person who doesn’t want sports to affect academics and vice-versa. I always strive to excel at both. Even when I was in class I, my parents always motivated me and encouraged me to pursue my passion.

How have the teachers at the school helped you reach where you are?

I would have to say that full credit goes to them for shaping me into the person I am today. They have played an integral role in my development and every achievement. They motivated and guided me at each step in my journey.

Why should human values become a way of life?

It is not as if you can shed these values once you have been born and brought up with them. Human values are nothing but how you live your life. It is not as if one has to follow them; we know them and as we move ahead in life and grow older, they become a part of our lives. Your human values become you; they define you as a person.

Can you change people to your way of thinking?

Definitely. One can influence others to your way of thinking. All you have to do is lead by example.

Shalini is an Executive Editor with Apeejay Newsroom. With a PG Diploma in Business Management and Industrial Administration and an MA in Mass Communication, she was a former Associate Editor with News9live. She has worked on varied topics - from news-based to feature articles.

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