The Art of Man-making: ‘Kindness is an important human values for me’

For Saanvi Mahajan, a Class 11 student of Apeejay School, Model Town, the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values was two years in the making. She had applied twice before and was shortlisted only for the interview round the second time. This year, her determination paid off. A student of the medical stream, Saanvi has spent nearly nine years at the school, which she calls her second family. 

In this conversation, she talks about what the recognition means to her, the values that shaped her, and how kindness can help in a world of competition.

Tell us about yourself.

I have been studying at Apeejay Model Town for the past nine years. I am now in Class 11, pursuing the medical stream. Receiving this award was a truly grateful moment for me. I had been appearing for it for two years, and this year I was finally selected. It was very emotional, because it was such a long wait.

What values have you developed over these two years?

When I first gave the paper, I didn’t know much about this kind of recognition. Over the two years, I have seen many changes in myself as I have grown. Along with my friends, and sometimes my family, I go to give charity. I have also become very amiable with everyone, because I feel there is no point in creating bad relations with anybody. It is better to be friendly with everyone.

What role have the school and faculty played in shaping you?

Apeejay is my second family. I have learned many things from my teachers and from the friends I have made here. We spend around six hours a day in school, and now in Class 11, about four to five hours. We create many memories, learn new things and learn manners too. School has played a vital role in my life, and after receiving this award, it feels even more precious.

What is the most important human value everyone should possess?

Definitely kindness. We should be kind to everybody, show humanity and have a heart. We cannot be enemies with everyone. We should be friends with all, so that whenever they need us, or we need them, we stand for each other.

Has the recognition added more pressure on you?

The award has made me more confident rather than putting pressure on me. It is a position I have earned, and it will motivate me to excel in the next phases of my life.

With so much exam pressure and competition, how should students deal with jealousy among peers?

First of all, we should not feel jealous if someone is scoring more. Everyone goes to different coaching and uses different sources to succeed. If someone is studying more, we can learn from them, and if someone is not scoring well, we should help them. A student who is struggling can feel a lot of pressure, so when friends help, it shows that they are supporting each other to achieve more.