The Art of Man-making: ‘I am grateful to my teachers for helping me develop human values’

The Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values is a prestigious recognition given to Apeejayites who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to promoting human values and ethics. The winner of this award is someone who has dedicated their life to serving others and making a positive impact in society. Through their selfless actions, they have become a role model for humanity and a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow.

The winner of the award truly embodies the spirit of altruism and embodies the qualities of a true humanitarian. And one such student is Simarbir Kaur, a student of class VIII of Apeejay School, Model Town in Jalandhar.

“I have recently been promoted to class VIII but I got this prestigious award back in 2022 when I was in class VII. In September, last year, my teacher told us about the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values. Around 10 students were shortlisted and were asked to take a test,” Simarbir said.

Excerpts from the interview.

How and when did you come to know that you had won the award?

After we were asked to write a written test and then go for an interview with the principal where I was asked questions related to human values, my name was announced during the morning assembly. It was such a surreal moment when my name was called out. For a few seconds, I couldn’t believe my ears.

Had you heard about the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values before you were nominated?

Yes, one of our seniors had received the award before me, so I was familiar with it. But even then, when my name was nominated, it was a surprise for me. Since it came out of the blue, there was no time for preparation. Also, we have been hearing inspirational stories of Dr Stya Paul. I didn’t need specific preparation for the same. I simply had to attend the test and answer the questions.

Can you define human values?

Human values are the basic values that we have imbibed in ourselves or have learnt from our life experiences. They make us good human beings.

Is it tough to live by these rules in today’s world?

Everything is possible if you put hard work and mind into a task. Helping others is a nice trait, and it always pays off. If we help others, they will feel good and also do something for us. Being selfish is not a good thing. Instead, it’s nice to help each other.

What activities are you involved in at school and outside of school?

Our teacher, Maninder ma’am, who is a Social Science educator, makes us do activities related to charity. We try to help others by giving things like old clothes or food or by teaching students who can’t afford to go to school. I also visit an ashram and celebrate my birthday with less fortunate people. I give the children colours, notebooks, and other things they may need. I do this once a year, on my birthday, which is in October.

Have you learnt these values from your parents?

My parents are a big inspiration for me. They are both doctors and always treat patients with kindness and compassion. I learnt from them to be kind and compassionate towards others and help them in any way I can.

“Teachers have played a very important role in shaping my values and character. All of my teachers have helped me develop these qualities, as well as providing guidance in my studies and encouraging me to participate in co-curricular activities”

–Simarbir Kaur, student of class VIII of Apeejay School, Model Town, Jalandhar

Do you also want to become a doctor?

Although everyone thinks that as a child of doctor-parents, I too would want to pursue this field but it is incorrect. I want to sit for the Civil Services exam and qualify for IAS. I think that way I would be able to help a much larger audience.

Have you received support from your friends and classmates?

My friends and classmates are extremely supportive of what I do. They support me in every way they can. I’m very grateful to have such classmates. It is extremely important when you have support like that. But it also depends on the situation. I’m grateful for the support I have, but even if I didn’t have it, I would continue to do community service.

What role have your teachers played in helping you reach where you are today? Teachers have played a very important role in shaping my values and character. All of my teachers have helped me develop these qualities, as well as providing guidance in my studies and encouraging me to participate in co-curricular activities. I am grateful to all of them for their support and assistance, which has helped me to achieve this award.