The Art of Man-making: ‘My father is my role model; he has instilled profound teachings in me’

For Tav Prasad Kaur,  an MBA student with Apeejay Institute of Management and Engineering, Technical Campus (AIMETC), Jalandhar, her journey to help the society began when she was just 15 years old. And as she turned 18, she started a heart-touching tradition of donating blood for thalassemia patients. Her first donation was on 11September 2018 which was her 18th birthday.      

Tav is multi-talented, having diversified interests including listening to soothing soulful music, watching South India movies, writing poems, reading and so on. Moreover, the Apeejay student  finds immense satisfaction in the moments when she has put human values of love, care, share, etc. into practice, particularly through her voluntary work with organisations dedicated to noble causes.

And for her selfless service to the society, the 22-year old recently received the coveted Dr. Stya Paul Award for Human Values.  In a candid interview, the awardee talks about who is her inspiration and the role her parents, teachers institute has played in inculcating values.

Read edited excerpts:

What role have your teachers and batchmates at Apeejay played in your life?

Almost everyone, be it faculty or my batchmates, at my institute had supported as well as encouraged me in every aspect. Whatever I would think of doing, they would not only encourage me through the journey but also be cheering the loudest on my achievement. 

How would you describe yourself?

Praising oneself ain’t much wholesome though, but if I would have to, I’m a person anyone would be longing to talk to in distress and be looking forward to sharing their success.

What are some of the human values that you follow and why?

My journey commenced at the tender age of 15, when I began volunteering with the Bhai Ghaniya Ji Mission Sewa Society. As I turned 18, I initiated a tradition of donating blood for thalassemia patients, making my first donation on my own birthday. Subsequently, I joined Khalsa Aid, an organisation guided by the profound principle of “Manas Ki Jaat Sabhay Aike Pehchaan Bo,” signifying the recognition of the entire human race as one. 

Read Here: The Art of Man-making: ‘Helping others is more about quality rather than quantity’

In addition to these endeavours, I have also served as a compassionate listener to individuals grappling with mental health challenges, offering my support in a capacity that does not necessarily involve medical intervention.

Adhering to the teachings of my faith, I have faithfully set aside one-tenth of my income for the betterment of society. This practice, rooted in Sikhism, underscores the importance of contributing to genuine causes. During my professional career, I diligently allocated this portion of my salary to support the education of students whose parents struggle to make ends meet. I find immense satisfaction in the moments when I have put these values into practice, particularly through my voluntary work with organisations dedicated to noble causes.

What is your motto of living a good and happy life?

To find peace within myself rather than being affected by what people think of me. The idea is to lead a life filled with love and care.

What role have your parents and institute played in instilling these values?

My father himself has volunteered in all of these and even more. He had also received awards for his contribution as a blood donor many times. My institute had polished my personality and values which I learnt at home.

Who is your role model? What are your future aspirations?

Foremost among these role models is my father, who instilled profound teachings in me. His wisdom and guidance have been a guiding light at every step of my life, shaping my understanding of integrity, compassion, and the importance of service to humanity. 

In addition to my father, I greatly admire Bhagat Puran Singh Ji, an eminent Indian writer, environmentalist, and philanthropist. As a young man, he made the profound decision to dedicate his entire life to humanitarian causes. In 1947, he took a momentous step by establishing Pingalwara, a sanctuary for the sick and disabled in the heart of Amritsar. His unwavering commitment to selfless service and his vision for a more compassionate society continue to inspire me deeply. Furthermore, I hold in high regard the living legend, Bhai Ravi Singh Ji, the Founder & CEO of Khalsa Aid International. His tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to providing humanitarian aid to those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances, are a testament to the transformative power of compassion and solidarity. Bhai Ravi Singh Ji’s work serves as a beacon of hope in a world often marred by adversity.

What are your future aspirations?

My future aspirations are to keep following the teachings of my religion towards becoming a Good Human Being and imposing a positive impact on the society.