‘Value-based education is critical to make the 21st century India’s century’

All Apeejay institutions are guided by Dr. Stya Paul’s (Founder Chairman of the Apeejay Stya Group) vision of value-based holistic education, focusing on acquiring thinking skills and learning how to learn for life. The best students who personify and exhibit human values in their day-to-day life are felicitated every year with a citation and scholarship on the special occasion of Founder’s Day. The process to select the winners is a comprehensive one where students are first evaluated on the basis of following parameters: work habits (punctual, obedient, creative, problem solver, displays leadership ability, empathises with fellow-students), manners (sharing, being courteous, considerate to others, helpful by nature, pleasant personality) and honesty (fair-minded, trustworthy, reliable, truthful, respecting). The short-listed students are then interviewed by an interview-cum-selection committee. The contenders then have to respond to a one-page questionnaire under the direct supervision of the Principal.

Rishit Mathur, a class 8 student of Apeejay School, Noida and one of the winners of this years’ Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values said an exemplary citizen is made, not born. “Just as we learn Science, Maths and other subjects, students should be taught about core values that are fundamental to create a stronger and fairer society.”

Rishit added that education with values teaches us the way of living a life. “The formal education we get today may help us shine in our careers, but is not enough to guide us how to live, lead our lives or face challenges. When we step out into the outside world, you need to have a good head on your shoulders to mindfully respond to situations, make right decisions under pressure and react appropriately when things don’t go your way. The gumption to rise above any adversity can only be inculcated with value-based education.”

Jival Minocha, a class 11 student of Apeejay School, Pitampura, believes value-based education will help create future global leaders with strong character and the resolve to change the world. “For India to reclaim its past glory and to make the 21st century India’s century, we need ethical leaders. For that, we need to foster an ethical mindset in students through a value-based curriculum. I believe universal human values such as respect, honesty, justice, courtesy, happiness, perseverance and compassion are pillars of value-based education. Education without values is a complete waste.”

Talking about an instance where his actions reflected human values, Jival said, “One day when buying groceries, the shopkeeper returned extra money by mistake. It came to my notice only when I reached home. I immediately rushed to the shop and returned the extra money. Such a small act of kindness has the power to change the world as it helps create a positive cascading effect.”

In Higher education, Komal Sharma, a 4th year student from School Of Biosciences, Apeejay Stya University bagged the coveted award. She has recently launched an initiative to provide legal aid to marginalised and vulnerable people. “I am the Secretary of the Rotaract Club Of Gurugram Midwest. Under this, I am heading the project Vikalp, an initiative aimed at creating awareness among the poor to seek legal aid at a low-cost. We have collaborated with Reso, an online platform which provides legal services at a fraction of the cost paid to a lawyer. For this we are actively creating awareness campaigns in less-developed areas.”

Madhvi Bawra, who is pursuing Bachelors of Arts in Music from Apeejay College of Fine Arts Jalandhar, said strong values propel you to help others in times of need. “Some time back, my friend needed monetary support to get admission in a college.  She is from outside Jalandhar and was staying in a PG accommodation. I happily extended the support to her. Lending a helping hand helps connect us to others, creating stronger and happier communities.”