The Art of Man-making: ‘I am driven by ambition and guided by integrity’

Leading a life rooted in values and happiness requires a conscious balance between personal growth and ethical living and when one stays true to core values such as kindness, humility, and responsibility, decisions become clearer and relationships more meaningful – is the talisman, Shagun swears by in her life. In a candid interview, this Class XII student of Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri, shares how challenges help her become more tough and resilient towards her goals.

Read edited excerpts here.

How did you feel after receiving the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award?

I felt extremely happy and honoured to receive the prestigious Dr Satya Paul Award. I am deeply grateful to my school teachers and my parents for their constant support and guidance. They have continuously inculcated strong values in me and helped me grow into a better individual each day.

What are the core values you believe in?

The core values I believe in are kindness, compassion, discipline, and learning. Kindness and compassion help build trust, respect, and strong relationships. Discipline keeps us focused and responsible, while continuous learning helps us grow, improve ourselves, and make thoughtful decisions in life and for the future.

How much do you resonate with Apeejay Education’s motto?

I strongly resonate with ‘Soaring High Is My Nature’, as it reflects continuous growth, ambition, and self-belief. The motto motivates students to work hard, aim higher, and achieve their full potential while remaining grounded in strong values and integrity.

What’s your philosophy to lead a good life?

My philosophy for leading a good life is to keep learning continuously, act with kindness toward others, and stay true to my values. These principles help me grow as an individual, make ethical choices, build meaningful relationships, and live a balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling life.

What is your driving force in life?

My driving force in life is continuous growth and making a positive impact on others. My parents are my greatest source of motivation. Observing their patience, resilience, and responsible attitude toward life has inspired me to value perseverance, discipline, and dedication in everything I do.

What are the basic human values people should have?

The basic human values everyone should possess are humility, kindness, and accountability. Humility keeps us grounded, kindness helps build empathy and strong relationships, and accountability teaches us to take responsibility for our actions, decisions, and their consequences, making us more trustworthy and responsible individuals in society.