The Art of Man-making: ‘Kudos to my parents for inculcating human values in me’

Today, millennials are not merely content with excelling academically or professionally. They are looking to add value to their personal brand. And what better way to showcase this but embrace human values which play a crucial role in guiding our behaviour, shaping our interactions with others, and contributing to the overall well-being and progress of society.

Did you know that human values are not limited to personal life? They are equally relevant and important in professional settings. Upholding integrity and ethics in the workplace is crucial for building trust and maintaining a positive reputation. Demonstrating honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior establishes credibility, fosters strong relationships with colleagues and clients, and contributes to a healthy work environment.

Therefore, for winners of the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values, living by these values makes it possible to create a more harmonious and sustainable world. Meet one such crusader – Arnav Anand, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg.

In a candid interview, Anand, who is pursuing his engineering, talks about what human values means to him

What inspires you about Dr Stya Paul?

There are a few things. First, despite being a person with a disability, it didn’t deter him excelling in life. Second, he opened an educational institute that focused on girls at a time when their education was not a priority. It is commendable that he did so much for the education of the girls.

Tell us about yourself.

I am in my first year of BTech in Information Technology from NIT Jalandhar. I was always interested in computers and this interest developed when I was in class VII. There was a lesson related to it and that piqued my interest and there was no going back. There could have been a possibility that I study at AIMTEC but all my friends said the government institute is better. I went where my friends are.

When and how did you win the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values?

It was in 2021. I was in class XII back then. The process is simple. The class teacher nominates a student; this list is very short. It then goes to the principal’s office. The selected students are required to take a written test to be followed by a panel interview. On the basis of the result, the winners are announced.

Did you hear about these awards before you were nominated?

I came to know about the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values when I was in class X. After I was nominated in class XII, I was thrilled. And there was nothing much to prepare for the same. We didn’t know what would be asked of us. So, on the day of the test I went with my instinct and wrote the answers from my heart. I was very honest in my replies.

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This award is not so much about your achievements as it is about how a person conducts himself/herself on a daily basis. In fact, this is the basis on which a student is nominated by the class teacher. I am extremely fond of my classmates, especially my friends. I make sure that I am never rude to them. I help them all the time with even the smallest of things

–Arnav Anand, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg

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Can you list a few achievements that got you this award?

This award is not so much about your achievements as it is about how a person conducts himself/herself on a daily basis. In fact, this is the basis on which a student is nominated by the class teacher. I am extremely fond of my classmates, especially my friends. I make sure that I am never rude to them. I help them all the time with even the smallest of things.

Also, there are times when I donate something to the needy. There were a few clubs that I was part of but not as active once I was in class XII. I also contribute towards household chores. I think these are some of the things that come under the scanner.

As for my extracurricular achievements, I was part of Robotics Club and from class VI to X, I led my team into the national rounds four out of five times. I have been part of Declamations and debates.

Define human values.

This is such a tough question to answer. But I can tell you what it means to me. I believe all of us are born with inherent good qualities. Most of us are compassionate, kind and honest in our dealings with others – some more than the others. When I come in contact with such people and form an instant bond that is what it means to have human values.

What role have your parents played in inculcating these values?

A huge role. You learn from your parents even before you go to school. Over the years, the life lessons that they have been giving have accumulated and made me into the person that I am today.