The Art of Man-making: ‘Want to imbibe humbleness in my life’

Human values play a crucial role in shaping the character and behaviour of students. Many educational institutes prioritise character education and the development of human values. One such institute is Apeejay Education which incorporates value-based programmes, moral education classes, or character-building initiatives into its curriculum to help students understand and internalise human values. Apeejay also honours its students who have shown human values through their coveted Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values.

One such winner is Kriti Kumar, who won the prestigious award in 2021 when she was in class VII at Apeejay School, Tanda Road. “Human values refer to the principles, beliefs, and ideals that are important and desirable for guiding our thoughts, behaviours, and decision-making processes that are good for the community,” Kriti said, who is now in class IX at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg from Tanda Road branch.

Excerpts from the interview.

How and when did you win the award?

In 2021, I got a call from my class teacher. She told me that I had been nominated for the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values. Back then the classes were online but I was given a time and a date to reach the school for a written and oral interview.

What was your reaction when you won the award?

To be honest, on the day of the interview, I was a bit nervous but then I settled down. When I finally came to know that I had won the award, I had tears in my eyes; I couldn’t believe I had won this prestigious award. My parents were over the moon.

Did you know about these awards?

Yes, when I was in class VI, a senior of mine won it. I was so enamoured by the whole idea of only a select few getting the award that I started participating in all the competitions that the school organised like the Olympiad, Declamation, and art competitions to name a few.

What role did your teachers play?

To be honest, they had a huge role to play in my winning the award. Whenever I had to go to any of the competitions, they would keep me updated with whatever had happened in the class. That helped me in catching up on my studies and staying updated. This helped me secure good marks in the class.

Define human values.

These are core values that each person should have in them. Respect, integrity, compassion, fairness, just, empathy, and wisdom are some traits that all of us must have towards everybody irrespective of caste, creed, and gender. We must go out of our way to help others and be good human beings. We must also never hurt anyone – intentionally or otherwise. We must always be ready to lend a helping hand whenever we are required. We will progress only if the entire community progresses.

Is it tough to follow these values?

Nothing in life is impossible. If you make up your mind to live with certain beliefs, nobody can deter you from walking that path. You just have to be convinced that these core values are important for the progress of the community as a whole and that we are all equal.

How important is it to have support from friends?

It is good when you see classmates helping each other out. It is the most basic thing that you can do for your friends – be there for them when they need you most.

What is the role that your parents played in winning you the award?

Besides the school, my parents were the ones who ensured that I imbibed human values. They told me that it is important to be always honest and speak the truth since I was a toddler. This is something that is part and parcel of my life today.

What are some of the things that you had heard about Dr Stya Paul?

We were told that he was extremely humble and would go out of his way to help others. He was also a visionary and that is why Apeejay Education has such a good reputation today. I would want to imbibe humbleness in my life.