The Art of Man-making: ‘My teachers & mother nurtured me into a caring person’

Aria Verma (extreme right) with her family

To strive for excellence in all fields is the mantra for Gen Z. They are no longer satisfied with scoring a cent percent in their academics; they want to add something to their resume that will make them stand out. Competition is fierce and even the slightest edge can make a world of difference. Meet Aria Verma, a student of class VII at Apeejay School, Noida who calls herself a true Apeejayite.

Though she lost her father at a very young age, Aria was only in class V back then, she believes in making the world a better place to live in. “A little consistent effort put in by all of us will help us attain this someday. I like to explore various domains of life with persistent hard work and optimism,” Aria said, who says that Dr Stya Paul’s whole life has been an inspiration for her.

Excerpts from an interview

How and when did you come to know you had won the award?

I was declared the recipient of the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award during the Founder’s Day Celebration at Apeejay School, Noida on October 13, 2022. It was a turning point in my life. I was thrilled and almost jumped off my seat the moment I heard my name being announced on the stage.

How would you define human values?

Human values for me include all the guiding principles and values which motivate me to serve mankind. These include helping others, respecting elders, determination, educating the needy, honesty, patriotism, and many more as inculcated in me by my teachers and family.

What inspires you about Dr Stya Paul’s life? Had you heard about this award before you won?

Dr Stya Paul’s whole life has been an inspiration for me. His good deeds, value for humanity, helping nature, love, care for others, and other innumerable qualities are what I would like to imbibe in my life. He was a leader and a visionary in the true sense.

Ever since I heard my elder sibling mention this prestigious award, I wanted to make myself worth it. I decided to listen to my teachers and family with complete focus and make the moral values they teach me a permanent part of my life.

Why are these values important in today’s world?

These values are very much needed in today’s world to build a better future. Post-COVID-19, human beings have had to cope with a lot of things. These values will help mankind to thrive happily with love and harmony. The choices made will be more enthusiastic and will lead to a caring human race.

Do you think that one individual can have an impact on others?

I believe in the mantra and a quote by Julia Carney: “Little drops of water and little grains of sand make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land.” One person’s good deed can make a positive impact on another’s life. One person can turn someone else’s life into a more beautiful one and so on. This chain of good human values will create a ripple effect and build a stronger bond among us.

What are some of the services that you are part of? How did you get involved?

I have always been encouraged to be a part of activities involving the welfare of mankind. I actively participate in Rotaract Club activities, donation campaigns, and visits to orphanages and old age homes regularly with my family and school. Our school organises various camps and gives us ample opportunities to work for the upliftment of society. Also, my family makes it a point that I am a part of all activities like feeding and donating to the needy.

What was the selection process?

The selection process for the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values is very methodical. The school takes great efforts to choose the awardee. Every level of the school is involved in the process. Teachers and staff observe the students based on daily behavioural patterns. The first round is conducted by the school coordinators by shortlisting students from every class. The shortlisted ones are allowed to interact with the higher authorities who jot down their thoughts.

 What is the role your parents and teachers have played in helping you win this award?

My teachers and mother have nurtured me with all their efforts and zest to make me a caring person. They have constantly guided me on the right path to make me a virtuous person. I try my best not to fail in the faith they have in me. As I face these situations, from time to time, my teachers and my family treat me with warmth and mentor me to overcome obstacles suitably.

The reaction of your parents once you won.

My mother and my grandmother were thrilled when I informed them of my achievement. My mother hugged me and told me to always be considerate towards others and keep up my good work. She thanked the school for making me confident, righteous, and a global student.