The Art of Man-making: ‘I have been taught to do selfless service’

Human values play a crucial role in the personal and professional development of students. Instilling and practicing these values can have a profound impact on their careers. Values like honesty, integrity, and fairness, guide students in making ethical decisions in their professional lives. Ethical behaviour is highly regarded in the workplace, and individuals who demonstrate these values are often trusted and respected.

Hence, today students are just not satisfied with good academic records. They want to add something extra that will give them an edge. Being part of clubs that help the needy or doing charity has become an integral part of their lives. Meet one such student – Deeksha Arora at Apeejay School, Faridabad in Sector 15 who scored 87% in class VIII

In an impromptu interview, she talks about her reaction to having received the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values.

What was your reaction when you got this award?

I was thrilled beyond words when my name was announced for the award. At first, I couldn’t fathom that my name had been called out. This award is priceless for me. A friend of mine got the award last year, so when my name was nominated this year, I wanted my name to be attached to this coveted award.

What does this award mean to you?

For a lot of students, it is the cash prize that comes with this award but for me, it goes beyond the prize and the certificate that I got. It means that the values that I have been brought up have a value even in this day and age.

Some human values you learnt from your parents.

My parents have always told me to help others without expecting anything in return. They have taught me that it is not good to be selfish. They tell me that whatever I am doing, I should not do it at the cost of others. In other words, my actions should not negatively impact the others. My actions should be in my favour but not harm others.

An inspiration that you draw from Dr Stya Paul’s life.

The biggest inspiration that I get from his life is that he never let his disability get in the way of what he wanted to achieve. Also, he worked tirelessly in the interest of others without expecting anything in return from them. The one thing that I would want to take from his life is that he went out of his to help others.

Are you part of charity work?

I was part of the Interact Club when I was in classes VI and VII. During that time, we did a lot of work like tree plantation, workshops on personal hygiene, and donations. Away from school, my father is a member of the Rotary Club and I help him and the members of the club by giving them some ideas about how they can help others. For instance, during COVID-19 a lot of members would play the tambola. So I suggested that they collect that money to buy blankets for the needy.

How would you club these human values with your career?

I will always carry forward these values that have been taught to me by my parents. It is always tough to follow the good path since we are seldom rewarded for the same. But the truth is that in the end we are answerable to ourselves and how we want to see ourselves. Also, as we grow older, these values become an integral part of our life.