The Art of Man-making: ‘Without a solid foundation of values success has no meaning’

For Jaismeen Kaur, a Class 12 Commerce student of Apeejay School, Greater Noida, life is a mix of creativity, curiosity and a deep commitment to being herself. She finds joy in art and in gathering interesting facts about the world, and she places a high value on authenticity. As a recipient of the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values, she says the recognition came when she had set aside all expectations. 

In this conversation, Jaismeen speaks about the moment her name was announced, how she learnt to meet setbacks with optimism, and why she believes contentment matters most in a fast-paced world.

How would you describe yourself?

I am Jaismeen Kaur. At my core, I am a deeply creative person, driven by curiosity and a love for creation. I find genuine joy in exploring the world around me, whether that means diving into art or gathering intriguing facts about different subjects. Above all, I place a high premium on authenticity. I try to hold on to who I truly am, so that my work, my interactions and my values reflect a genuine and honest perspective on life.

What was going through your mind when your name was announced for the award?

I had consciously set aside all expectations, which made the moment all the more surreal. When I heard my name, I was on cloud nine. I was overwhelmed by a deep sense of gratitude that took quite a while to process. It was a very humbling experience to realise that my core principles had been recognised in such a prestigious way.

Which value has changed you the most through this journey?

Resilience. In the past, I used to pursue goals intensely, only to give in to pessimism when obstacles came up. Over time, I have developed a much healthier and more constructive approach. Instead of letting setbacks discourage me, I now meet challenges with steady perseverance and an optimistic mindset.

How have your teachers and the school contributed to your growth?

Our faculty and the school have played a pivotal role in my personal and academic growth. Beyond their dedication to academic excellence, the teachers genuinely invest in us on a personal level. Their unwavering support creates a nurturing environment where ethical awareness and character are valued just as much as academic achievement. Their mentorship has consistently reinforced the importance of integrity, empathy and continuous self-improvement.

You describe contentment as the most precious human value. Why?

In today’s fast-paced world, it is not uncommon to see people feel hollow and constantly dissatisfied, even after achieving everything they once strived for. Contentment gives us the grounding to appreciate the present, find real fulfillment in what we have, and move through life with peace rather than endless anxiety.

How do you make learning a part of your everyday life?

I see learning not as a formal obligation but as a daily practice of curiosity. I do it naturally, by exploring random, fascinating facts across different fields and continuously building my vocabulary. Making a conscious effort to discover something new every day keeps my mind sharp, open and engaged with the world.

Has receiving this award added to your sense of responsibility?

I like to look at it in a balanced way. The honour was given to me for values I already hold, so my first commitment is to remain authentic and steadfast in who I am. At the same time, I cannot overlook the weight and prestige this award carries. Recognising that naturally makes me more mindful and encourages me to act with even greater responsibility, to uphold the dignity and legacy of this honour.

In a world driven by competition and individual success, why do human values still matter?

I believe external measures like competition and individual success are only surface-level outcomes. What truly drives human effort and shapes our decisions, from daily choices to our larger moral compass, is the strength of our human values. Without a solid foundation of values, success has no meaning. They are the inner anchor that keeps our progress ethical, purposeful and deeply human.