The Art of Man-making: ‘I think kindness must involve physical help’

They are young and happening. They are also no longer looking to excel in academics. They want to leave their footprints in every field and Praatik Kauldhar, a class IX student of Apeejay School, Model Town is one such remarkable person. He was recognised for his outstanding work in promoting human values and having a positive impact on society by spreading compassion, empathy, and kindness.

“I believe that the well-being of human beings should be at the forefront of all endeavours. Being kind to someone is the least that we can do for others and it is not if we are doing them a favour. I have recently gone to class IX and got the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values in 2021. When I got to know that I had won this award my happiness knew no bounds. Even my parents were thrilled for me,” Praatik said.

Excerpts from an interview.

How were you nominated? What was the selection process like?

My teacher called my mother to tell her that my name had been nominated for the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values. I got to know only once I went back home. It had come as a surprise for me. During the interview – it was a mix of written and oral – I was asked some basic questions like: What are human values and what do they mean to me? After the oral interview, there was a written test where we were asked similar questions. I am happy I aced both.

What does humanity mean?

The dictionary defines it as the quality or condition of being human. The truth is that all of us have inherent human qualities in us. We just have to dig a little deeper inside and show compassion for others – to be kind to them and empathise with them. People just want to know that there are others around them whom they can rely on. Helping each other can go a long way in creating a peaceful society.

What stops people from being kind to others?

Most people don’t do these acts of kindness because they are embarrassed and feel they will be ridiculed. Take an example. If you stop to help an elderly person – a stranger – to cross the street, they feel people will laugh at their actions. I believe that we should do what is right and not bother about others. Some people fear that people will laugh at them.

What inspires you from Dr Stya Paul’s life?

I had heard about the award when I was in class VI. And over the years, I have heard several inspirational stories from his life. He was disciplined and exhibited kindness to everyone. He didn’t make a distinction among people and that is truly remarkable. I would like to follow in his footsteps. If I can manage to do even one per cent of what he did, I will be happy.

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“All of us have inherent human qualities in us. We just have to dig a little deeper inside and show compassion for others – to be kind to them and empathise with them. People just want to know that there are others around them whom they can rely on”

–Praatik Kauldhar, Class IX student at Apeejay School, Model Town

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What are some of the charities that you are involved with?

I remember that during the Kerala floods in 2018, I had asked my parents to donate my pocket money to the relief fund that had been created to help people out at that time. Ideally, I would have liked to go and help people physically but that was not possible so I did the next best thing. I think that an act of kindness should involve physical help. Giving money is good but it is not what I would consider as an act of kindness.

What role have your parents played?

Whatever, that I do is because of my parents’ teaching that I have got since my childhood. Of course, my teachers have also played a big role in inculcating moral values in me. My friends too have been supportive of what I do even though they joke and make fun of me sometimes. But this doesn’t deter me from doing my act of kindness to those around me.