Niva Agarwal, a class 12 student at Apeejay School, Kharghar, won the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values. In this interview, she reflects on how empathy and respect guide her actions. A passionate poet and avid reader, the Apeejay student shares insights into balancing academics and creative pursuits, while her school plays a key role in shaping her into a responsible citizen. Read edited excerpt:
Niva, tell us about your experience of winning the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values?
Winning the Dr. Stya Paul Award has been an incredibly humbling and rewarding experience for me. It feels amazing to be recognised for something as meaningful as human values. The entire process, from the interview with senior teachers to the written test, challenged me to reflect deeply on my principles and how I apply them in my daily life. This award is not just a personal achievement but a reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy, and integrity in everything we do. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and hope to continue upholding these values in the future.
What human values did you exhibit through your actions and behaviour?
I’ve always prioritised empathy and respect in my actions and behaviour throughout my journey. Empathy allows me to understand and connect with others on a deeper level, fostering collaboration and support. I believe that by putting myself in someone else’s shoes, I can better appreciate their experiences and challenges.
Respect is equally important to me; it forms the foundation of all meaningful relationships. By treating others with dignity and valuing their perspectives, I create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. These values not only guide my interactions but also inspire me to contribute positively to my community and encourage others to do the same.
We know you are very talented in poetry, please tell us about your new poems?
Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it. Right now, I’m focused on my studies in 12th grade, so new poems may take some time to come together. However, I have started working on one, but it still needs some polishing. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into my poetry once I have more time to dedicate to it.
Any other talent, we don’t know yet?
Absolutely! One of my new and active hobbies right now is reading. I’ve been diving into various genres, from fiction to non-fiction, which has been both enjoyable and enriching. It’s a great way to expand my perspective, learn new things, and spark creativity in my poetry. I love getting lost in a good book and discovering different worlds and ideas.
How is your school shaping you to become a good citizen of the nation?
My school shapes me into a responsible citizen of India by instilling core values like respect, integrity, and empathy. The emphasis on critical thinking and discussions around social issues has broadened my understanding of our diverse society and the importance of inclusivity.
My teachers encourage us to engage with current events and understand our rights and responsibilities as citizens. This has inspired me to think about how I can contribute positively to my community. Overall, my school environment fosters a sense of civic duty and motivates me to be an active and responsible member of society.