The Art of Man-making: ‘Kindness and honesty are key human values’

Instilling human values in students is essential for multiple reasons, as it supports their overall growth and equips them for a balanced, responsible life. Human values lay a strong ethical foundation, guiding individuals to make principled decisions and discern right from wrong — skills that are vital in both personal and professional realms.

Recognising this, educational institutes like Apeejay School dedicate themselves to the comprehensive development of students, nurturing them to become ethical individuals who exemplify honesty, humility, and integrity. Students who embody these values in their daily lives are honoured with the esteemed Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values.

Meet one such student, Veer Zorawar Singh, a student of class X at Apeejay School, Rama Mandi.

How excited were you when you found out you had been selected?

I was very excited and honoured to finally achieve this award after years of trying to get it. I had been selected earlier — twice before this attempt. Getting this prestigious award this time is that much sweeter!

Tell us about yourself.

I am, at present, in class X. I aspire to be successful and make my parents, teachers, and everyone who helps me proud. That’s my ultimate goal. I’m very interested in the Science stream. I’ve always been fascinated by science since I was an elementary student. I was thinking of either the medical or non-medical field. Computer Science has never really been my cup of tea.

If you’re considering the medical field, do you have a particular specialisation in mind?

I have always aspired to become a doctor or a veterinarian because of my love for animals and living creatures. 

What do human values mean to you?

Human values are the positive qualities that make a person truly human. These values give us humanity and are the most important aspects that make us better people. Kindness and honesty are key values. I also believe in instilling these values in myself and motivating others to adopt them as well. 

Since you love animals, do you do anything to help them?

Yes, I regularly feed the strays around me. Just the other day, I fed a newly born puppy in our area. It gives me a sense of solace to see their eyes brighten up with just a little bit of food and love. Otherwise, I feed the strays in my area regularly. 

How do you manage to get the money to feed them?

My friends and my parents help me. My father (Dr Baljeet Singh) and mother Dr Anjuman Kaur, sometimes give me money, or I find groceries from our kitchen to feed them.

A trait of Dr Stya Paul that inspires you. 

His willpower and the fact that he never gave up. That determination will always be motivational and inspiring for me.

What values has the school instilled in you?

I have attended this school for 13 years, starting from the nursery. The school has taught me discipline and hard work. It has also emphasised kindness, honesty, being helpful, and being truthful, and the importance of these values in life. I’ve met some great people here, including my teachers. There are a few teachers who have stood out for me.

My senior Hindi teacher taught me various life lessons. Then there were my Social Science teacher, Physics teacher, and Chemistry teacher. All of them have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today.

What values have your parents imbibed in you? 

My parents have taught me to be selfless and have helped me become a better person. One value that stands out is empathy. They have instilled the importance of helping others during their tough times.