A day towards light! Remembering Dr Stya Paul

One can fathom the magnanimity of Dr Stya Paul’s life and personality through his oft quoted statement, “It is not a disgrace if dreams are unfulfilled, but it is, if we have no dreams to dream!” 

Apeejay schools in Jalandhar paid a heartfelt tribute to the venerable Founder-Chairman Dr. Stya Paul on the occasion of Founder’s Day: Dr Paul’s 103rd birth anniversary.  Under the leadership of Principal, Mrs Sangeeta Nistandra, the student choir of Apeejay School, Rama Mandi paid a soulful musical homage to Dr. Paul by singing some of his favourite bhajans. It was followed by the thought of the day, an interesting talk on Dr Paul’s life, a short skit along with musical choreography of the school anthem ‘Soaring high is my nature’.

Students exhibiting strong moral values and practicing the values learnt in their immediate environment were awarded with the Dr. Stya Paul Award For Human Values. Raghav Gupta, level 1 student (Class: XI-XII), Simran Kaur Kahlon from level 2 (Classes IX & X) and Sehajpreet Kaur form  level 3 (Classes VI to VIII) were felicitated with the prestigious award in recognition of their exceptional contribution towards ensuring a harmonious society. Students who exhibited exemplary values such as honesty, peace and respect were given badges as a part of the value education program under the Swami Vivekanand study circle.

Mrs Nistandra, Principal of the school, mentioned in her address that the Founder’s Day celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on the fifty years of growth, grit and greatness of the Apeejay Education Society. She said, “It is a day to celebrate all that we have achieved and aspire to achieve. I urge all students along with the staff members to take a pledge to uphold the legacy of excellence that Dr. Stya Paul left behind. Come let us strive for excellence.”

Similarly, Apeejay School, Model Town also celebrated the 103^rd birth anniversary with grace and devotion. The celebrations commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Mr. Malkiat Singh, Principal of the school. It was followed by a floral tribute to the Founder-Chairman by all staff and the students.

Melodious bhajans such as “Ishwar Allah tero naam, sabko sanmati de bhagwan” sung by the school choir filled the entire school campus with radiance and positive vibes. Further, the Principal addressed all students and informed them about the great achievements of Dr. Stya Paul throughout his remarkable life. He also felicitated Ms. Simarbir Kaur, class 7 student with the Dr. Stya Paul Award For Human Values, for embodying and practicing human values beyond the classroom.

The school theatre group performed a play on the life, struggles and accomplishments of Dr. Stya Paul. Mitesh Dutta, Senior Prefect, gave a heartfelt speech on the life of such a dynamic personality and sought inspiration from his indomitable spirit.

Principal, Mr Malkiat Singh also read the message given by Ms. Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education to all students and staff on this auspicious occasion. In her message Madam President reiterated the exemplary human values that reverend Dr. Paul committed his life to. She mentioned, “Once, I had asked him as to how, from humble beginnings, he had been able to turn Apeejay Stya into one of the biggest success stories of the nation. He had replied that he had only concentrated on working hard with dedication and commitment as he believed that “Work is Worship”. He said that along the way, he met talented and committed people who joined him in his quest for excellence, and good things kept happening” 

“Dr. Stya Paul was always a positive thinker, who faced all of life’s vicissitudes with a smiling countenance, never-say-die attitude and an unflinching faith in the Almighty. Though he was a hard task-master, his punctuality, sense of discipline, dedication and focus made him an ideal role model of excellence for all those who worked with him. So, as we remember and honour him on his 103^rd Birth Anniversary, let us celebrate both what our Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul was, and what he stood for. Let us take a pledge to uphold the legacy of excellence that he leaves behind, and strive to achieve the goals to which he devoted his life.”

Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg too joined in the spirits and fervour of the celebrations of the Founder’s Day. Mr. Girish Kumar, Principal, addressed all students and staff and made them aware about Dr. Paul’s immensely inspirational life. He read out the message sent by President madam, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia. 

“Dr. Stya Paul lost his mother at a very young age and father a few years later.  As the eldest son, business and family responsibilities came to rest on his shoulders, very early in life.  They were shouldered with lots of love and affection, and from then onwards, he developed the trait of putting others before himself.” 

“He had the valuable qualities of hard work, fearlessness and love for truth and these stood him in good stead as he pioneered the Apeejay Stya Group into an industrial conglomerate, and the Apeejay Education Society (which is a Social Commitment of the Group) into one of the most respected and successful educational organisations of India. Under him, 26 Apeejay institutions- schools, colleges and higher institutes – have come up and flowered to become symbols of excellence in their various disciplines, molding the life and careers of all future generations.  Year 2010 also saw the realisation of his dream of setting up the Apeejay Stya University – a world-class university.”

Following the message, Mr Girish Kumar honoured the recipients of the Dr Stya Paul Award from Human Values, 2022-23. Arnazz Kaur and Neil Nanak Singh from the middle school,  Mannat Aggarwal and Gurniamat Kaur from the secondary school and Manas Mutneja from the senior secondary school received the prestigious Honour in presence of their parents, who were special guests on the occasion.  The celebrations inspired all students to make effort as their sole prayer and move ahead in life with a great conviction on their inherent worth.