The Art of Man-making: ‘Teachers ingrained diligence and goodness in me’

Of late, he has been interested in philosophical books. Apart from that, he enjoys playing basketball. Meet Ritik Singh, a Class XII student at Apeejay School, Noida, who has been conferred the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values. A science student, reading philosophy for him, stems from the belief that philosophy is about thinking deeply about life. “Regardless of one’s stream or profession, everyone should introspect. When we observe our lives, there are always aspects we may not like. Philosophy helps us view them from a detached, less emotional perspective, allowing us to analyse and improve ourselves. That’s why I also maintain a journal,” he shared. 

In a candid interview, he talks about what this award means to him.

What was your reaction when you found out you had been conferred the award?

It was quite exhilarating! The story is funny. It was Founder’s Day, and I had an exam on Saturday. I decided not to go to school a day before to prepare for my exam. But in the morning, I got a call from my father, who was at his office, informing me that I had been selected for the award. I had just 20 minutes to get dressed, brush my teeth, and rush to school with my grandfather. It was a lot to process in such a short time!

What does this award mean to you, and how would you define human values?

This award comes with responsibilities. I feel I have to live up to it. Just because I have received the award doesn’t mean I can relax — I must uphold the reputation of Dr Stya Paul. When faced with a tough decision, I remind myself of the values he stood for and try to inculcate the same in my life. 

As for human values, I relate them to sanatana dharma, which is a way of life. Following these values provides guidance and improves life. These values also influence others — when we embody goodness, we evoke it in others too. As the saying goes, if you want to change the world, you must first change yourself.

How have your parents influenced your values?

My parents are religious, so certain values were inculcated in me from a young age. Over time, my experiences reinforced them. I believe everyone has values — it’s just a matter of choosing whether or not to act according to them. 

What inspires you about Dr Stya Paul?

When I watched videos about him, I noticed that despite having set up such a huge group, he remained humble. Many people with power develop an ego, but he didn’t. Just by looking into his eyes, you could tell he genuinely wanted the best for his students. His work was not driven by monetary gain — he had a purpose. That’s why we call him a Karma Yogi. His ability to inspire goodness in others while staying true to his values is what truly inspires me. 

What are some values you have picked up from your school?

A lot! One of the most important is the ability to work hard. Another is the way our teachers explain life lessons to us — whether it’s about bullying or other important aspects of life. They make complex ideas easy to understand, which has a deep impact. The values of diligence and goodness have been ingrained in me here. 

Can you share a specific instance where your school environment helped shape your values? 

Yes, I remember a session where our teacher spoke about bullying and its consequences. Instead of making it sound like a lecture, she explained it in a basic yet impactful way. That conversation made me reflect on how we treat others and the importance of kindness. Similarly, the encouragement from my teachers has instilled in me the value of perseverance and integrity. 

How do you walk the road less traveled?

It’s common for people to ask, why is it necessary to be so straightforward? Why do you have to be a goody two-shoes? But I don’t think I’m a goody two-shoes — I think I’m just a bad guy trying to be good. People often see the world in black and white — good or evil — but that’s not true. Our experiences and circumstances shape us. I wasn’t always content with certain aspects of my behavior, so I made changes.

Could you please share how you addressed this challenge?  

It’s a process of building character over time. I have failed many times. But with each failure, I grew a little stronger. It’s not something one is born with — it is developed. What people see as my values and principles today have been built step by step through experience and effort.