‘40 years down the line and I still miss this school’

Meet Anuj Chatrath, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Faridabad in Sector 15 who passed out from the school 40 years back but still keeps all his school memories close to his heart. “Everything that I have achieved and won in my life so far – be it personal or professional arena  –   I owe to the great knowledge and values this school imparted to me,” shares Chatrath in a candid interview.

Tell us about yourself

I passed out of Apeejay School, Faridabad in 1983. After that, I completed my BE Mechanical Engineering degree in 1988. My professional journey started with the Motorcycle Division of Escort, Faridabad from 1987 to 1989.

Then I decided to pursue Post post-graduation in International Marketing from Delhi School of Economics, Delhi University in 1990. After that, I worked in various corporate companies like Cimmco Birla, Yamaha Motorcycles, M&M & Jindal Stainless Steel Indonesia from 1990 to 2016. 

Finally, in 2016 I started my factory for manufacturing stainless steel utensils in Indonesia, up till 2023. Soon after that, I returned to India as my wife’s mother is 86 years old and we must take care of her and stay with her. At present l have a proprietorship called BIS consulting company and I’m also working as VP of International Marketing for an Engineering Company.  

What does a typical day look like?

I am going to turn 60 in two months, and still working with nothing to prove to anyone but to just enjoy the work and keep myself busy. My father was a philanthropist and has established a Medical and Educational Trust, most of the people know him in Faridabad for his philanthropy work. We continue to feed needy people, do charitable eye operations, hold medical camps, and have established medical dispensaries. This way we enjoy paying back to society. We are also big devotees of Sai Baba and have regular bhajans at home.

Tell us about your school life.

Apeejay at that time was the best school in Faridabad, we have seen it growing and hence a lot of things were there for the first time. We started with three school Houses and later when we were in class IX Nanak House was formed and students were distributed into four Houses. Our batch was very active in sports and for the first time, we had inter-school matches among the Jalandhar, Delhi, and Faridabad branches of Apeejay. Like everyone, school time was the best experience for us and we enjoyed it far more than other batches since study pressure was far less back then. 

Share a few nostalgic memories from Apeejay.

There are so many of them, but a few of my favourites are: The day at Apeejay always kicked off with the vibrant morning assembly. The echoes of the school hymn, the fluttering flags, and the collective energy set the tone for the day. The school canteen was a hub of camaraderie. From sharing laughter over samosas to clandestine discussions about crushes, the canteen was where friendships were forged, and tales of teenage adventures were woven.

The Annual Day extravaganza was a spectacle of talent, glittering costumes, and the exhilaration of performing on a grand stage. The weeks of practice culminated in a night of applause and a sense of accomplishment that stayed with students for years.

How were the teachers at Apeejay?

Certain teachers left an indelible mark, not just for their subject expertise but for the life lessons imparted. The mentorship I received and the moments of guidance became lifelong memories that shaped the individual that I became.

What are your dreams and goals in life?

My biggest dream and goal is to stay healthy, happy, and pay back to society.

Any message for the students of the school.

Everyone should have a positive approach. Do not give up, as there is more enjoyment in trying than in the result. Laugh aloud, and balance life with sports and studies. All classes from I to X should have at least two compulsory moral science periods so that good morals are embedded, which I feel will do good for everyone.

Your comments on the brain drain trend.

As India is progressing, I feel there will be no such issue for our country in the coming future. We have a high resource of educated people so even if a few of them move out it won’t become an issue. In the next 10 to 15 years India will outshine the world.

How did Apeejay help you hone your skills?

Apeejay gave me a very balanced curriculum which helped me to strengthen my life properly.