Leadership takes centre stage at the Investiture Ceremony 2026

Recently, Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, hosted its much-awaited Investiture Ceremony 2026–27 at the school auditorium. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of its newly appointed Student Council. The ceremony was a celebration of leadership, responsibility and the spirit of service, as student leaders formally assumed their roles for the new academic session.

The event was graced by Mr Stephen James Tumpane, Principal-cum-Director, Research and Capability Development, Vice-principal Ms Neha Sharma, esteemed parents, facilitators and members of the school community.

The ceremony was compered by facilitators Ms Nitya and Ms Riddhi, who guided the proceedings with poise and warmth. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, performed by the dignitaries, teachers and students, symbolising the illumination of knowledge, wisdom and a purposeful journey ahead.

Adding a musical dimension to the occasion, the PYP students presented an exceptional song, followed by a melodious performance by the MYP and DP students. The cultural segment was further enriched by Vamika Tripathy of MYP-4, who delivered a graceful dance performance on Ganesh Vandana, setting an auspicious tone for the formal proceedings.

The much-anticipated investiture proceedings began with the student leaders marching towards the stage in a disciplined and seamless formation. Mr Tumpane formally conferred the badges of office upon the newly appointed Student Council members. Aaditya Nath Mathur of DP-2 was appointed Head Boy, while Yishika Gupta of DP-2 took charge as Head Girl.

Rivan Berlia of DP-1 and Saanvi Sharma from DP-1, were appointed Vice Head Boy and Vice Head Girl, respectively. The ceremony continued with the appointment of the Secretary, Prefects and other members of the Student Council.

The newly appointed leaders then took the oath of office: “I solemnly pledge to discharge the duties entrusted to me with faithfulness, integrity and dedication, and to the best of my ability. I shall be respectful to my teachers and seniors, fair and compassionate towards my peers, and loyal to my school. I shall uphold the values and honour of Apeejay School International, place the interests of the school community above my own, and conduct myself with dignity, discipline and responsibility at all times. I pledge to lead by example, serve with humility, act with integrity, and uphold the trust placed in me. So help me God. I hereby invest you with the rank and responsibilities entrusted to you. May you honour the pledge you have taken and discharge your duties with distinction.”

In a symbolic presentation of leadership and responsibility, Aaditya Nath Mathur received the School Flag, while Yuvraj Dugar was entrusted with the Sports Flag.

The ceremony then moved towards the Tribe Leadership Investiture. Ms Nitya conferred badges upon the Tribe Fire Prefects and their team, followed by the presentation of badges to the Tribe Water team by Mr Atul Agrawal. The oath was administered by the Vice-principal, after which the respective tribe flags were presented to the captains, namely Harrjas Khurana and Sehajveer Singh.

The leadership responsibilities of Tribe Earth were then formally entrusted to its appointed student leaders, with Mrs Jayati conferring the badges. This was followed by Ms Heena Heena Ahmad presenting the badges to the Tribe Air team. The oath was once again administered by the vice-principal, while the respective tribe flags were received by Ryan Kheterpal and Kayna Johari.

The ceremony also acknowledged the members of the Editorial Board, who were invited to the stage and formally inducted through the presentation of badges by Ms Harpreet. Meher Sharma is the Editor-in-Chief. The newly appointed members subsequently took their oath, affirming their commitment to contributing meaningfully to the school community.

The newly appointed Student Council members were then formally welcomed by Mrs Monika Vasudev and Ms Anjali Singh, followed by a special acknowledgement of the entire student body. Students were congratulated and encouraged to make the academic session 2026-27 a year marked by collaboration, integrity, initiative and purposeful leadership.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Tumpane shared his thoughts on leadership and the responsibilities that accompany positions of trust. Leadership is not about authority or being the loudest voice in the room. It is about service, ownership and the ability to listen, he said.

“A true leader sets a standard that others choose to follow, not because they have to, but because they are inspired to. As an IB World School, our understanding of leadership is deeply connected to the IB Learner Profile. Your leadership will be reflected in the qualities you demonstrate every day. Be Inquirers, willing to ask questions and seek understanding. Be principled, especially when doing the right thing is difficult. Be open-minded, willing to listen to perspectives different from your own. And above all, be caring, reflective and courageous in the choices you make.

Your role is not simply to organise events or represent your peers, he added. “You have an opportunity to ask meaningful questions: How can we make our community more inclusive? How can we encourage curiosity and creativity? How can we turn our learning into meaningful action and service? Remember, your decisions have an impact beyond your immediate circle. You are learning to lead as responsible members of an increasingly interconnected world. There will be challenges. Your peers may disagree with you, responsibilities may compete with academic demands, and you will make mistakes.

“When that happens, do not be afraid. Own your mistakes, learn from them and move forward with greater wisdom. Leadership is not about perfection; it is about resilience and accountability. Your peers have placed their trust in you, and your teachers have recognised your potential. Now, it is your responsibility to give that trust meaning. So, do not simply hold a position; create a legacy. A legacy of collaboration, respect, inclusion and positive action. Lead with humility. Lead with courage. Lead by example,” he said.

It was then time for the Head Boy and Head Girl to take the stage. “Standing before you as the newly appointed student body, we feel immense pride and gratitude for the trust placed in us. Yet these badges are more than titles. They remind us of our responsibility to serve, listen and act with integrity.

 At ASI, leadership means standing with others. We want every student to feel valued, every voice to be heard, and every idea to have room to grow. To our Student Council members and Prefects, congratulations. Let us lead with empathy and uphold our school’s values through our actions.

To every student, your contribution matters. You do not need a badge to be a leader. A kind gesture, a courageous idea or a helping hand can make a difference. Together, let us build a year of belonging and purpose, face challenges and make ASI stronger.”

This was followed by a ‘vote of thanks’ by the Vice Head Boy and Vice Head Girl. They remembered with gratitude Dr Stya Paul (Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group) whose vision, values and unwavering belief in the power of education continue to inspire the Apeejay community. They extended heartfelt gratitude to Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education, for her inspiring leadership, vision and continued encouragement.

They also thanked Mr Nishant Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner and Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University; Mr Aditya Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner and Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University; and Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner, Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya Universityfor their constant support and encouragement.

A sincere appreciation went to Dr VS Garg, Educational Advisor, Apeejay Education, for his invaluable guidance. They thanked Principal-cum-Director Mr Stephen James Tumpane and Vice-principal and DP Coordinator Ms Neha Sharma for their guidance and support.

“We are grateful to Dr Anjali, our MYP Coordinator, and Ms Monika, our PYP Coordinator, as well as our house wardens, form tutors, facilitators, and cultural, décor and technical teams. Your work, both on and behind the stage, has made today’s ceremony special. To our students, volunteers, administrators, support staff and parents, thank you for your encouragement and dedication. As the saying goes, ‘Great things come from small beginnings.’ Today begins a journey of leadership, responsibility, and service,” the Head Boy and Girl shared.

“Congratulations to Aaditya and all appointed Prefects and Student Council members. We are proud of their achievement and grateful for the school’s guidance. We wish them continued success,” shared Mr and Mrs Mathur, Aaditya’s parents.

“I’m delighted Anahita has been selected as a student leader. I hope she learns that leadership extends beyond academics to empathy, initiative and humility. I wish her and her peers well,” shared Anahita Sen’s mother.

The event concluded with the National Anthem, with the entire gathering standing together in a moment of collective pride and unity. The ceremony was followed by high tea, bringing the celebration to a warm and memorable close.

The Investiture Ceremony 2026 thus marked not merely the appointment of student leaders, but the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility, service and purposeful leadership at Apeejay’s IB School.