She is the Head Girl at Apeejay School, Nerul and a passionate gymnast and has had the privilege of representing her school at the national level several times. Gymnastics has taught her discipline, resilience, and focus and has imbued several immeasurable values in her that she tries to carry. Meet Sampanna Nirmallya Roy, who was conferred the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values.
In a candid interview, she shares how she takes great interest in social causes and community initiatives, including conducting a Toy Drive during Christmas to bring joy to underprivileged children.
What does the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values mean to you personally?
Receiving the award is a true honour, symbolising my effort to reflect the compassion, integrity, and respect that Dr Stya Paul embodied. To me, it goes beyond recognition; it is a call to live with empathy and purpose. This award reminds me that real success lies in kindness and honesty, inspiring me to uphold these values and serve my community with sincerity.
How do you embody these values in your daily life?
I strive to live these values daily, showing respect to all, helping others, staying honest, and remaining humble. Through fair teamwork, volunteering, and empathetic listening, I aim to let compassion and integrity guide my actions in every situation.
Share an instance where you had to make a difficult choice that tested your human values.
When some classmates mocked a friend for being different, I chose not to argue but to support and stand by them. That experience taught me that courage often lies in quiet strength, kindness, and perseverance. True success isn’t about popularity or confrontation; it’s about integrity, compassion, and staying true to one’s values.
Who or what has inspired you most in developing the human values that this award recognises?
With my parents’ constant encouragement to balance academics and co-curricular activities, I’ve learnt to give my best in all I do. Apeejay School has been my second home, and been guided by inspiring teachers who motivate me to dream big and pursue excellence in every field.
How do you think young people today can keep human values alive?
Young people can uphold human values by being kind, honest, and supportive rather than comparing or competing unfairly. Technology should connect, not divide. By balancing ambition with empathy and success with humility, we can build a future that celebrates both progress and humanity.
Message for your peers.
Live with honesty, empathy, and respect. Honesty builds trust, empathy nurtures kindness, and respect teaches us to value every person. When we appreciate differences and support one another, we create a positive, inclusive environment. Each of us is unique. By lifting others with compassion and confidence, we make our community stronger, kinder, and more inspiring for everyone.