Achievements
The Art of Man-making: “To me, human values are as important as our studies”
Class 10 student from Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, shares how compassion and perseverance guide his everyday actions
Apeejay School, Rama Mandi student Sameer Sagar, from Class 10, has been honoured with the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values, one of the most prestigious recognitions given to students who exemplify compassion, integrity, and kindness in everyday life.
Passionate about technology and science, Sameer believes that human values are just as vital as academics in shaping a student’s personality and outlook. In this conversation, he shares his thoughts on empathy, resilience, and the small but meaningful ways he tries to make the world around him better.
Read edited excerpts:
What do human values mean to you as a student?
To me, human values are as important as our studies. They help us become better people and create a positive atmosphere in our friend circle and society. I feel we should always try to motivate others to follow good values too — it makes a big difference.
How did you feel when you received this award?
I was really happy and proud. This award motivates me to continue practising kindness and to encourage my friends to do the same. Even a small act of compassion can bring a change in someone’s life.
Which part of Dr Stya Paul’s philosophy inspires you the most?
His perseverance really inspires me. He taught us that failure is never the end — we can always try again and improve. He also believed in being kind and helpful. For example, if a friend feels nervous before an exam, we can help them gain confidence instead of competing harshly.
Can you recall a time when your values guided your actions?
Yes, once during the monsoon, I saw a dog outside my house shivering in the rain. I immediately brought it inside, gave it food and shelter. It felt good to help a helpless animal and see it warm and safe.
What simple acts of goodness do you think every student can follow?
We can start by respecting elders, listening to teachers, and being supportive to friends. Even small gestures like helping a classmate in studies or playing fairly in sports reflect good values.
What are your future goals?
I plan to take the non-medical stream in Classes 11 and 12 because I enjoy Physics and Mathematics. I want to pursue engineering, especially in computer science, and continue learning how technology can be used for good.
