Recent Events
Future leaders rise: Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park empowers students with values and vision
The school hosts its Annual Investiture Ceremony – a celebration of leadership and duty
In the golden jubilee year of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, the campus resonated with purpose, pride, and promise as it hosted its Annual Investiture Ceremony – a landmark occasion where student leaders were formally inducted into office. Held in the school’s auditorium, the event celebrated leadership, duty, and values, bringing together Class 8th, 9th, and 11th students, the proud parents of the prefectorial board, and esteemed dignitaries.
The ceremony was graced by Shri Neeraj Kumar Gupta, Deputy Director General (Special Wing), Narcotics Control Bureau, an IPS officer of the 2005 batch, Kerala cadre, whose presence added gravitas to the event. The officiating Principal, Ms Vandana Bansal, along with the school teachers and staff joined the distinguished guests in leading the day’s proceedings.
A welcome rooted in nature and tradition
The day began with a green welcome to the Chief Guest, signifying sustainability, peace, and growth – a nod to the values the new student leaders are expected to uphold. This was followed by the auspicious lighting of the ceremonial lamp, accompanied by the calming chant of shlokas by the school choir, invoking the blessings of knowledge and wisdom.
A message of vision and values
Shri Neeraj Kumar Gupta’s address was a sobering yet empowering call to action. Speaking not just as a senior officer of the NCB, but as a concerned parent himself, he shed light on the growing dangers of drug abuse among youth. “I see my daughter in Class 12, juggling stress and expectations. As someone in the Narcotics Control Bureau, I worry,” he admitted, striking an emotional chord with the audience.
He spoke candidly about behavioural changes that may indicate drug use – withdrawal, lying, irritability, and falling academic performance – and stressed the critical role of early detection and intervention. “It’s not a taboo – it’s a treatable medical condition,” he emphasised, urging both schools and parents not to hide such cases out of fear or stigma.
Offering practical tools, he informed the gathering about helpline numbers like 1933 (NCB’s MIND helpline) and 14666 (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) for counselling and rehabilitation support.
With data and urgency, he warned of the evolving nature of drug trafficking and addiction in India, drawing comparisons with the fentanyl crisis in the US. “Don’t even try it once,” he told students with forceful clarity, urging them to resist peer pressure and say no with courage.
His address concluded with a collective vision – Let us build a Drug-Free India by 2047.
In her address, Officiating Principal Ms Vandana Bansal warmly welcomed the guests and the school community, calling it a momentous day in the institution’s 50-year journey. Her speech reflected both celebration and responsibility. “To wear your badge, not just with pride, but with purpose. Be fair, be bold, and carry forward the legacy of this institution,” she urged the student council, reminding them that leadership is not about privilege, but service.
She also took a moment to honour Shri Neeraj Kumar Gupta’s vast experience across state and central agencies, emphasising how his presence would inspire students to become conscientious citizens.
A cultural and ceremonial crescendo
Following this poignant speech and a token of gratitude, the ceremony continued with a graceful Ganesh Vandana performed by six students, marking an auspicious invocation of divine guidance for the newly inducted leaders.
The moment of anticipation arrived as the Prefectorial Board, having entered with a strong march past, took the stage. The following were the key student leaders entrusted with major responsibilities: the Head Boy, Head Girl, Junior Head Boy, and Junior Head Girl. One by one, students were adorned with their badges and sashes by the Principal and Chief Guest. The auditorium brimmed with applause as the student council stood tall, their faces aglow with honour and responsibility.
The moment of anticipation arrived as the Prefectorial Board took the stage. The following were the students entrusted with head roles:
| S. No. | Post | Name of the Student | Class | Section | House |
| 1 | Head Boy | Abbas Hasnain | XII | A | Vivekananda |
| 2 | Head Girl | Aalya Choudhary | XII | A | Akbar |
| 3 | Head Boy (Junior) | Vivaan Sejwal | V | A | Vivekananda |
| 4 | Head Girl (Junior) | Aavya Bhardwaj | V | C | Akbar |
One by one, students were adorned with their badges by the Principal and Chief Guest. The auditorium brimmed with applause as the student council stood tall, their faces aglow with honour and responsibility.
The Oath of Office, administered by Ms Vandana Bansal, was a solemn declaration of their commitment to uphold the values of the school – integrity, fairness, service, and excellence. Together they pledged, “We, the members of the Student Council of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, pledge to uphold the values and principles of our esteemed institution with sincerity and dedication. We commit to lead by example, demonstrating honesty and integrity in all our actions, and to serve our school community with dedication. We strive for excellence, upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, and treating everyone with fairness and respect.
Ms Bansal added, “As members of the Student Council, we pledge to work diligently and continue to work and contribute towards creating a nurturing and progressive educational environment – “Together we aspire. Together we achieve. Together we soar high”.
Voices of the student leaders
The newly appointed Head Boy, Abbas Hasnain, in a heartfelt speech, reflected on his 14-year journey with the school – from a child clutching his mother’s hand to a young leader taking the stage. He spoke of transforming the school culture to be more inclusive and action-oriented, fostering student-led initiatives, inter-grade collaboration, and compassion-driven service. “This badge isn’t just a recognition of the past – it’s a commitment to the future,” he said.
Following him, the Head Girl, Aalya Choudhary, brought both poise and passion to her address. Citing her elder sister, a former head girl herself, as her inspiration, she said, “Leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real and ready to serve.” Aalya emphasised empathy, approachability, and the power of listening. Her speech resonated with young girls and aspiring leaders in the audience.
A heartfelt close
As the ceremony drew to a close, Primary Incharge Ms Neeta Dutta delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the dedication of students, teachers, and the technical team who brought the vision of the event to life. She extended gratitude to Shri Neeraj Kumar Gupta for his thought-provoking message and to the parents for their continued support and presence.
The event concluded with the National Anthem, followed by a warm round of refreshments, leaving everyone with a sense of fulfilment, pride, and renewed responsibility.
Among the attendees were proud parents and devoted teachers who shared their reflections on the occasion. Mr Mahesh Kumar, Head of Sports at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, said, “It is an honour for our students, and when students and teachers work together after receiving their positions, they represent the school in various competitions. A panel of teachers carefully selects the council members through multiple interviews. I have conducted the Investiture Ceremony year after year, and I share a deep bond with my students. They respect me, and I care for each of them.”
The sense of pride was equally evident among the parents. The mother of Aalya Chaudhary, the newly appointed Head Girl, shared, “I am a proud parent of a Head Girl. In fact, both my daughters have become Head Girl at this school. Apeejay is a great school.”
From the mother of Ayushi Chaudhary, Vice Captain – Sports, came a simple yet heartfelt, “I am feeling very happy,” while the mother of Anirudh Agrawal, Head Prefect, expressed, “I am feeling very proud.”
The Investiture Ceremony at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park was not just a symbolic tradition – it was a powerful reminder of the values that shape young minds into ethical leaders. In a time when choices are many and distractions are manifold, the school’s commitment to nurturing mindful, service-oriented leadership stands stronger than ever.
