The Art of Man-making: ‘I value honesty above all’

The world can be complex and challenging, particularly for young people. Human values serve as a moral compass, guiding students to make sound decisions and navigate difficulties. Values like honesty, respect, responsibility, and compassion are crucial for building character and leading a meaningful life.

The prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values, given to Apeejay students, enhances their profiles and adds credibility to their achievements. In today’s world, employers highly value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving — traits often rooted in human values. Students who exemplify these values in academic and professional settings are better equipped for long-term success, making human values indispensable in shaping a bright future.

Meet one such student – Surya Kapil – a MYP-III (class VIII) student at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park. This 13-year-old shares his core values in a candid interview.

Tell us about your aspirations or ambitions. 

My only aspiration is probably my brother. He inspires me a lot. He’s kind-hearted and guides me wherever I need to go. 

How thrilled were you when you came to know you had received this award?

This is the first time I have received the award. I was pretty thrilled because I didn’t expect to win. This award means that I have core human values, and I should follow them. What was more thrilling was that I came to know that I had been chosen just before the function of Founder’s Day.

Can you take me through the process of getting this award? Were you nervous? 

Yes, I was nervous. The process includes an interview about human values, then an interview with the coordinator, followed by the Principal. After that, there’s a little test, and then you wait for your results. 

What are some values you’ve learnt from your parents? 

Time management is one. Another is to work hard because they work hard to sustain me. I should also work hard to create a good image for them and improve my life. 

Which value resonates with you the most and why? 

Honesty resonates with me the most because I’m always honest. I don’t lie; I just say what my heart feels.

What have you learnt from your teachers regarding human values? 

I’ve learnt time management, the importance of asking questions, and being honest. Teachers encourage us to speak our hearts and work hard. And while it may be tough to ask questions for fear of being judged by peers, I remind myself not to care about what people say about me. I focus on myself. 

 Is it tough to not care about what others think of you? 

Sometimes it’s tough, but not always. I do take feedback, but if it’s just negative talk like, “Oh, you don’t know this question,” I ignore it. 

How do you remain honest when most people around you are not? 

It’s mainly about what I think of myself. If people don’t want to be honest, I can’t do anything about it. I do what I think is right. 

What inspires you the most about Dr Stya Paul’s life? 

The fact that he kept working hard even after losing his parents at a young age and having siblings to care for. He kept chasing his dreams despite all the difficulties. 

What is one human value that everyone must have and why? 

Honesty. If you’re not honest, bad things may happen. While honesty isn’t always easy, everyone should have at least some honesty in them. As to convincing my friends that honesty is the best policy, I’d give an example. Imagine you broke a vase and lied about it, saying it got lost. That guilt would stay with you forever. Being honest prevents that guilt. 

The best thing about this school.

All the teachers and people I’ve met here are honest, which is rare. I came from an American school, and seeing honesty here is a rare sight.