The Art of Man-making: ‘My teachers have taught me the value of compassion’

The world today is complicated, and human values lead young minds to make sound decisions and face challenges. Values like honesty, respect, responsibility, and compassion shape great character and fulfilling lives. Considerate and helpful students develop from these values and end up doing great in schools and careers.

Such characteristics are nurtured in an Apeejayite by the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values enhancing their CVs. Employers increasingly seek individuals with soft skills like teamwork and communication, rooted in human values. Human values like honesty, respect, responsibility, and compassion can help a student in academic as well as professional life to distinguish himself/herself and thus find his/her way through this competitive world.

Meet one such student – Megha Sulania, (academic year 2024-25) a class VIII (now Class IX) student at Apeejay School, Saket. In an impromptu interview, she shared the role the school played in her life.

How thrilled were you when you received the award? 

I was very excited and very happy at that time. It was my dream to get this award. I came to know about this award when I was in class VI. I was selected in classes VI and VII but didn’t make the final cut. So this time the feeling is that much enhanced.

Define human values.

Human values are the values that a person has and promotes to others. Compassion, empathy, kindness, and honesty are a few values that are significant in a person’s life.

What values have your parents inculcated in you?

From my mother, I have learnt kindness. She is a gentle person and helps everyone. From my father, I have learnt empathy, so I can understand and share the feelings of others and help them.

Tell us about yourself. 

I am in class VIII. It’s still too early to decide what I want to pursue. I am passionate about dancing. I was learning Western dance, but I paused it because of the Annual Appreciation Day. I can also choreograph and do freestyle dancing.

What role have your school and teachers played in shaping you?

My teachers have taught me the value of compassion. They help me and other students with our doubts, no matter how many times we ask. They are very kind and student-friendly.

Is it difficult to maintain these values in today’s world, where negativity is prevalent? 

I am kind and gentle towards everyone. I help others whenever I can. I don’t think it’s very difficult, but it depends on the person. I stay positive by spending time with my best friend and my family. Sharing everything with them makes me happy.

 How do you plan to carry these values forward as you grow older? 

I’ll continue to practice them because they help us build better relationships and create positive environments. Without them, people may see us as arrogant, which is not beneficial for us or those around us.