The Art of Man-making: ‘To be human is the most important trait in a person’

In a day and age when being selfish is no longer a bad thing, giving, caring, and being humble is a trait that needs to be lauded. Apeejay’s Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values is a much-coveted and prestigious award given annually to select students for imbibing core human values and diligently practicing them in life through actions, behaviour, and conduct.

For Aliza Ali, a student of Apeejay School, Saket, the wait to get this award was a long one. She had heard of this award when she came to class VI and since then she has been doing her best to get it. But to no avail. But it was only in 2022 that not only was she nominated, she even won the award.

“I had been trying for this award for the last four years. But for some reason, I always fell short. But then in 2021, my teacher told me that I had been nominated; I was so excited. I had been preparing for the written and face-to-face interview for a long time but I was still a bit apprehensive. But on D-day, everything worked in my favour and here I am with the award,” Aliza said.

Excerpts from an interview.

When did you come to know that you had won and what was your reaction?

Each one of us who had won the award was individually called to the principal sir’s office to be given the news before it was announced in the morning assembly. At that time, I was a bit nervous; I was not sure why I was the only one from the class to be called to the principal’s office. But when I was finally told that I had won the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values my happiness knew no bounds. The moment was so surreal when I was in the office trying to take it all in. On the day when I got the award, as I walked up to the stage, it was such a great feeling but humbling too.

Had heard of this award even in junior class?

Yes, definitely. I had heard of this much-coveted award but one is not eligible for it till you are in class VI. As I mentioned, the minute I reached this class, I wanted it. I am happy that I have been able to live up to the expectations that have been set to win this award – academically and otherwise as well.

What kind of preparation did you do after your nomination?

There was nothing much that I could do. I had read almost everything that was there in Dr Stya Paul’s life. It was not as if we knew the questions we would be asked. Each year, it changes. One can only hope that the answers you have written or given during the oral interview are given honestly and come from the heart. I just had to give my best.

What were some of the questions asked?

I remember one question that our school principal asked me: What I wanted to be when I grew up and why? This was perhaps the easiest question to answer for me since I have always wanted to be a doctor. I told the panel that COVID-19 has driven home the importance of doctors and the profession itself. We have realised the need to save every life. I am sure so many deaths could have been avoided had there been more doctors to treat them. The satisfaction that one gets from saving a life is incomparable. Also, my parents are doctors.

“When I was finally told that I had won the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values my happiness knew no bounds. The moment was so surreal when I was in the office trying to take it all in. On the day when I got the award, as I walked up to the stage, it was such a great feeling but humbling too”

–Aliza Ali, Student of Apeejay School, Saket

Define human values.

Your basic nature is how I would define human values. To be human is the most important trait in a person. These are values that one should already possess. To be polite, kind, and human is something that all of us must exhibit in our daily lives. Of course, not all of us are perfect and we are bound to make mistakes but as long as you understand that you have erred and made amends everything will work out in the end.

What kind of values did you get from your parents and teachers?

They taught me to never give up. They also told me that I must remain determined whatever the circumstances. As I mentioned, I had been trying to get this award forever but each year I would be disappointed. They were the ones who kept me motivated and that this phase is a learning curve too. I learnt to be patient as well.

My teachers have shaped my personality. Earlier, I was scared to even step on the stage. But they encouraged me and slowly I was able to overcome my fear. It is because of them that I was able to give the oral interview since I felt extremely confident.

What is the most important trait that we must all have?

To be disciplined. If a person has a regimented life, everything else falls in place – be it honesty, politeness, or even gaining confidence.