Did you know that human values extend beyond personal life and are equally vital in the professional world? Upholding integrity and ethics at work is essential for building trust and maintaining a strong reputation. Traits like honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct not only enhance credibility but also promote positive relationships with colleagues and clients, contributing to a harmonious and productive work environment.
For the recipients of the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values, these principles are more than just ideals — they represent a guiding path toward creating a simpler, more peaceful world. Let us meet one such recipient – Shavya Sanadhya, (academic year 2024-25) a Class VII (now Class VIII) student at Apeejay School, Noida.
In a candid interview, she talks about what human values mean to her.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a Class VII student and like to play badminton, dance occasionally, and cook a little when I’m free. I especially love baking cakes, but I also enjoy making random dishes when I feel creative. I like playing games and doing activities that keep me physically active and refreshed.
How did you feel when you found out you had received the award?
I was thrilled and very excited. I remember running to my mom and telling her, “Mom, I got the Satya Paul Award!” It was such a happy moment for both of us.
Were you aware of the Dr Stya Paul Award before winning it?
When I reached Class VI, they told us about the Dr Stya Paul Award at the beginning of the session, so I knew about it and was very excited when I finally got it.
Can you describe the process of getting the award?
I was a little nervous. But my mother and everyone told me that it was okay even if I didn’t pass. They reminded me that it was a learning experience and that it wouldn’t affect anything negatively. That helped me relax. I had three interviews before the written exam, which was unexpected but exciting. After the interviews, I felt a bit more confident going into the written test.
What aspect of Dr Stya Paul inspires you the most?
The first thing that inspires me is his love for children. He was very kind to them. Another inspiring thing is how he helped build the school, giving us a platform to study and learn new things.
How would you define human values?
I believe human values are principles of life that help us grow, make decisions, and form bonds with others. People trust us and build relationships because we are truthful, kind, and empathetic. These values help us connect deeply with others and make the world a better place.
Why do you think it’s important to live by human values?
They are important because when we meet someone new, they won’t like us just because we have good grades or are educated. They will like us because of how we interact with them. It’s our kindness, respect, and how we treat others that truly matter.
What are some human values that your school and teachers have taught you?
They’ve taught us to respect others, always try again if we don’t succeed the first time, trust ourselves, and be truthful. They also encourage us to believe that making mistakes is part of learning and that we should never give up.
What values have your parents or grandparents taught you?
They’ve taught me to always show respect to others, even if I don’t agree with them. I’ve learnt to express my thoughts kindly and patiently, without getting hyper. They’ve also stressed the importance of being truthful and trusting myself in every situation.
Have you been involved in any charity work or acts of kindness recently?
In Class V, I donated all my books and notebooks to my class teacher so she could give them to students who couldn’t afford them. Last year, during Daan Utsav, I donated toys that were still in good condition but I wasn’t playing with anymore, and I also donated a trolley bag that I no longer used but was in perfect condition.