The Art of Man-making: ‘The school has taught me to steer clear of prejudices’

Today’s millennials excel not only in academics or professional fields but also try to upscale the personal brand of support for human values. Scoring over 95 per cent marks is no longer the benchmark! They need to go beyond the realms of what is considered to be normal. For a select few, the values that they inculcate as they progress in life are part and parcel of who they are. They define themselves with these traits rather than the percentage scored.

Meet one such student of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park – Saanvi Singh, who has been conferred with the prestigious Dr Stya Paul for Human Values. The award is given to students every year to students who exhibit a deep sense of human values and a high level of integrity in his/her behaviour and conduct.

How excited were you when you came to know that you had been selected?

My class teacher kept it as a surprise. I got to know right before I got the award. I was just told a day before that attendance the next day was compulsory. The next day, before the presentation, I was told that I had been selected. I felt excited but nervous at the same time since it was so immediate.

Tell me about yourself.

I’m in class VIII and my hobbies are dancing. I can dance to any music like K-pop, hip-hop, and Kathak which I am learning. But my preference would be K-pop which I have learnt through videos.

 What do human values mean to you?

Human values are everything to me since I am very sensitive about what impression people have of me. I try to be careful around other people so that they feel comfortable around me and share their feelings. I feel nice when I help others; it feels like a reward when others thank me for helping them.

What are the initiatives you are associated with?

My parents and I visit an orphanage every year on my birthday; we donate money. Moreover, during vacations, I go to the orphanage and teach the children how to dance. It is so fulfilling because I truly love dancing and helping someone else learn it feels awesome.

One trait that you love about Dr Stya Paul.

Dr Stya Paul was very determined till the end, though there were so many problems in his path. When you open a school that is all about inclusivity there will be several challenges. But Dr Stya Paul never wavered and continued to work toward it. I am proud that I am attending a school started by such a visionary who fought against all the stereotypes and prejudices.

Were you scared when you were undergoing the selection process?

I was not afraid. I was happy to be shortlisted. When I entered the second round, I was a bit jittery because my writing skills are fairly good, but I always take a lot of time and lose track of it while writing. So, I worried that I might not be able to finish on time.

How has the school shaped you into the person you are today?

This school has taught me so much – from respect for others to how to steer clear of prejudices and stereotypes. In my junior class, I had a chapter in Civics about freedom fighters and they dealt with such issues. I was amazed at their reliance and wanted to do something about stereotypes and prejudices.