The Art of Man-making: ‘Whatever heights one may achieve, one must never forget how they got there’

The day starts early for this student who has recently gone into class IX at Apeejay School, Pitampura. Ujjesha Vashisht, who was recently conferred with the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values, says that she stays 12 km away, GTB Nagar, near North Campus, and it takes her around 35-40 minutes to reach the school by 7:55, hence, her day starts at 6 am. But it doesn’t deter her from doing an act of kindness and yet remaining at the top of her class.

“When I was in class VII I had 98.7 per cent; in class VI I got 99.2 per cent and stood first in class; in class V, I had secured 98.5 per cent,” Ujjesha said who had heard of the Dr Stya Paul Awards for Human Values when her friend had won the award.

Excerpts from the interview:

When and how did you hear about the Dr Stya Paul Awards for Human Values?

I was in class VI when I first heard of this award that was given to a friend of mine. While I didn’t know the exact criteria for which the award is conferred, I do know that a good academic record is one of the must-haves. In school, from time to time, we would hear Dr Stya Paul’s name and the great work that he had done as an educationist, and how he always helped those in need.

One aspect of his life that inspires you.

Dr Stya Paul passed away in 2010. So, in school, we have only heard his stories from teachers who had the privilege of meeting him and or interacting with him. One of the English teachers at the school, Seema Chauhan ma’am told us about her experience when she met Dr Stya Paul. Seema ma’am had joined the school some two decades back and when she went to meet Dr Stya Paul in his office, he got up from his chair and with folded hands thanked her for joining the school.

Similarly, other teachers have had similar experiences and say that he was extremely humble, had a calm demeanor and always smiled at people.

You are a brilliant scholar. Have you planned out your career?

They say that a child of doctors always ends up being a doctor. My parents are doctors; they are dentists, so yes, while I want to be a doctor, I want to pursue neurology. Also, I am an only child and would say that only my father pampers me. My mother is very strict with me.

How would you define human values?

These are values that you learn to keep the person grounded. A person may soar high and be the best in his/her field but to be humble is an art that each one of us must learn just like Dr Stya Paul. We must be compassionate toward others. We should not think that we are superior to another person whatever their circumstances may be.

My parents tell me that my goals and achievements should be my priority but not at the cost of compromising on humanity.

 We live in a competitive world. Is it tough to uphold human values?

It is because we live in such a competitive world that we should uphold humanity and treat everyone as equals. We all know the good from the bad, we know the values that shape our personality as good human beings. The least we can do is try to follow the values – of discipline, humility, honesty, and truthfulness.

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“A person may soar high and be the best in his/her field but to be humble is an art that each one of us must learn just like Dr Stya Paul. We must be compassionate toward others”

–Ujjesha Vashisht, Student of Apeejay School, Pitampura

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What were your friends’ and parents’ reactions when you won the award?

My parents were on Cloud 9; more so because I also won the Best Orator Award. I had essayed the role of the Darkness Narrator in the recently concluded Annual Appreciation Day. But they told me that I must be even more careful henceforth now that I have been conferred with the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values. To my thrilled friends, I had to give them a big treat.

How do you manage to pursue so many activities?

It all boils down to time management. If you are passionate about something, you can always make time to pursue things that you love. I make a plan and strictly follow it. I also keep aside one hour for myself when I pursue my love which is dancing – I take Kathak lessons.

Can a person be taught human values?

I don’t think this is possible. Each person is born with a certain kind of demeanor; the environment in which one lives strengthens them. If a person has a calm outlook on life, he/she will remain calm. The surrounding will only help fortify them.

What role have your teachers played in shaping you into the person you are today?

Each one of the teachers has helped me imbibe human values. When I was in class VII, my class teacher Shivani Verma ma’am; used to teach us English. She would always tell me that whatever heights I may achieve, I must never forget how I got there.