The Art of Man-making: ‘Empathy & service has to be for the community’

Gen Z today is not satisfied with just excellent academic results. They want to do so much – to be excelling in one’s chosen profession is only a part of what they want to achieve. What is even more important for these kids today is to be good human beings. For this, they are willing to go the extra mile and imbibe the values that will make them stand out in the crowd.

Vaanya Joshi of Apeejay School, Noida, who has been promoted to class X is no different. Not only is she brilliant academically, but she is also the recipient of the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values.

In a candid interview, she talks about how she learnt that she had made the cut for the award and the reaction that followed.

How did you get this award?

This award is given to a select few. The class teachers are required to nominate two names from each class and that is what happened in my class as well. After my name was nominated I was called for a couple of interviews and then had to take a test. I was asked different questions like listing qualities that make a person stand apart in the crowd; I was also asked how I would go about helping a person, to name a few.

What are some of the activities that you are part of?

I have been teaching kids who are living in an ashram near my house; they have kids of all ages. Some of them are people with disabilities as well. There have been times when I have also taught small children as part of the school activity.

What motivated you to take up these initiatives?

I would say that my parents have played a very big hand here. They are grounded and always willing to go that extra mile to lend a helping hand. I learnt from them that even the slightest help can go a long way. The school has also played its part, there are several initiatives organised and the teachers motivated me to take these up. I have tried to make a difference however little it may have been. Apeejay, over the years, has drilled in me the importance of helping others. So, when it was time for me to give back, I jumped right in.

---

“Thinking about the betterment of society and taking initiatives can help in its entirety. For me, human values mean being connected with every individual irrespective of his/her social standing”

–Vaanya Joshi, Student of class X, Apeejay School, Noida

---

Define human values.

Human values today can’t be restricted to a single individual. Kindness, empathy, and service to others have to be for the entire community. Thinking about the betterment of society and taking initiatives can help in its entirety. For me, human values mean being connected with every individual irrespective of his/her social standing.

Had you heard of the Dr Stya Paul Awards for Human Values?

Yes. I think I was in class VII when I got to know that there are awards that are given to students who have been part of initiatives where they have tried to give back to society. Then there were assemblies where the names of the students would be called out. I got curious and asked my teachers. That is when they told me the basic reason behind the award.

What was your reaction when you got the award?

It was such a surprise that I won this coveted award. It is a very special award that only a select few receive each year. So, when I heard I had won, my happiness knew no bounds. However, my aim was not to get this award. I have been part of these initiatives for a long time. Still, it feels nice to be recognised for your efforts. My parents, too, were thrilled as well.

What would be that one act of kindness that you would recommend?

I would say teach those who don’t have the means to get an education. This is the single most important aspect of human values in case we want the entire community to move ahead in the right direction. Educating someone is extremely important because it gives him/her the ability to think for himself/herself and be able to distinguish right from wrong.

What role have your parents played?

They are extremely supportive. I am diabetic. There were days when things got a bit overwhelming but my parents were always there to guide and help me. They are my pillar of strength. I am grateful that I have such wonderful parents.