Annual Appreciation Day 2026: School’s cultural spectacle brings chaos to calm alive

The Annual Appreciation Day 2026 of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park unfolded on a gracious august evening, bringing together students, parents, educators, alumni and distinguished guests in a celebration of excellence, reflection and legacy. The theme for this year was – The Chronicle of Cosmos-From Chaos to Calm.

The evening unfolded as a sensory and imaginative journey, exploring harmony born of chaos and clarity rising from uncertainty. It celebrated the achievements of the academic year 2025–26 while honouring the school’s golden legacy, rooted in tradition, vibrant in the present, and visionary in spirit.

To mark this occasion, the Chief Guest for the event was Ms C Shikha, Joint Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution. Ms Vanashree Rao, Kuchipudi dancer and recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, was the Guest of Honour. Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Owner and Director (Family Business Board) Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Lead-Education Vertical, Office Bearer, Apeejay Education, Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, was present virtually.

Also present for the event were Dr VS Garg, Education Advisor, Apeejay Education, Mr NN Nayyar, Senior Education Officer, Apeejay Education, and principals and teachers of sister schools. The event was also graced by alumnus Mr Anshu Mor, a stand-up comedian.

The function began with a guard of honour to the esteemed guests by the school’s band. A warm and heartfelt welcome was extended to all present, inviting the audience to partake in an evening of energy, joy and meaningful celebration. The evening paused to honour the memory of the late Dr Stya Paul, Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, whose vision, values and lifelong commitment to education remain a guiding force for the Apeejay family.

Heartfelt regards were conveyed to Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education, for her guidance at every step. Under her leadership, the school has continued to scale new heights, remaining committed to value-based education, holistic development, ethical foundations and 21st-century skills.

The school also expressed gratitude to Mr Nishant Berlia, Co-Owner and Director (Family Business Board) Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Lead-Pharmaceutical Vertical, Office Bearer, Apeejay Education, Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University and Mr Aditya Berlia, Co-Owner and Director (Family Business Board) Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Lead-AI Vertical and Innovations, Office Bearer, Apeejay Education, Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University

A special acknowledgement was given to Dr Neha Berlia, whose foresight and dedication continue to strengthen the Apeejay School legacy across education. Appreciation was extended to education advisors, officers, management members, PTA representatives, parents, and teachers for their unwavering support and partnership.  The guests were

As the celebration moved forward, a moment of prayer and reflection was observed, seeking divine blessings for prosperity, harmony and continued growth. The esteemed guests were invited to the lamp-lighting ceremony to invoke the blessings of knowledge, wisdom, and auspicious beginnings.

The evening then transitioned to cultural performances led by the students, whose energy and enthusiasm brought the stage to life. A classical fusion orchestra enthralled the audience with a composition inspired by Raag Jodh, blending the melodic strains of violin and guitar with the modern textures of the synthesiser and the vibrant rhythms of drums, dholak, and conga. The performance offered a soulful expression of Indian classical music, resonating with grace, balance and emotional depth. The evocative presentation transported the audience into a space of calm reflection and quiet joy, leaving a lasting impression.

This was followed by a soulful note as the students took the stage to sing the school song. Their harmonious voices set a vibrant and uplifting tone, filling the hall with energy, pride, and the spirit of the Apeejay community.

Speaking at the event, Ms Shikha said, “The theme, Chaos to Calm, is very meaningful. It perfectly reflects the phase of life all of you students are in right now. This stage is often filled with chaos—academic pressures, examinations, expectations from parents and teachers, and the constant presence of social media. Amid all this, finding your calm becomes essential.”

Calm is not the absence of chaos. Rather, it is something you discover within it. Through challenges and uncertainty, you learn discipline, clarity, and resilience. That process itself helps you grow and find balance. This, to me, is the real journey from chaos to calm.

“We live in a time where social media is unavoidable. While it can be engaging, it is important to learn moderation. I trust that, with the guidance of your parents and teachers, you will strike that balance wisely. Aim high, believe in your abilities, and work steadily toward your goals. Many of you are already achievers, and many more will go on to achieve great things. Thank you for making this a warm and memorable experience,” she shared.

Taking the stage, Ms Rao shared, “I have always felt that educational institutions like this one play a crucial role in shaping not just careers, but lives. In schools, we often emphasise discipline, punctuality, performance, and results. These are important values, but life is not a race for ranks alone. We have only one life, and it must have purpose and meaning. Helping children discover what truly motivates them is one of the most important responsibilities of parents and teachers.

“I hope each one of you finds the courage to pursue what you truly want in life, while staying committed to effort and learning. And most importantly, value your teachers—today and always. They are shaping your future in ways you may only realise years from now.”

It is not necessary for everyone to come first. Everyone grows at their own pace, she added. What matters is sincerity, commitment, and the courage to stay true to oneself. When children are understood rather than pressured, they gain confidence; when supported rather than compared, they flourish.

“Success does not come from force or fear; it comes from belief, patience, and consistent effort. Give yourself space to explore, to fail, and to try again, and you will learn resilience and self-respect, qualities far more valuable than marks alone. Walk your path with confidence, balance, and dedication,” she stated.

Taking the stage, Mr Mor, who graduated in 1990, shared, “Walking into this school today has been an emotional experience. The buildings may have changed, and much around us looks different, but the spirit of the school is still very much alive. As students, we often don’t realise how deeply a school and its teachers shape who we become; that understanding usually comes much later in life.

“Schools are not just places to study or prepare for exams. They are where confidence is built, values are formed, and the foundations for the future are laid. Teachers play a vital role in this journey, and their guidance, patience, and belief in students often make a far greater impact than we realise at the time.

“You may not always see it as a student, but someday you will understand how essential their support and discipline were. Success comes from hard work, consistency, and self-belief. The path may not always be clear, but persistence always matters,” he said.

Speaking virtually, Dr Neha Berlia extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and said, “The occasion holds greater significance as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee, 50 years of excellence, commitment, and purpose, five decades of shaping minds and building futures. As we look back at the last five decades, we see more than buildings and classrooms; we see a living legacy. From its humble beginnings, Apeejay School has grown into a centre of learning and leadership, excelling in academics, sports, the arts, innovation, and social responsibility. At Apeejay Education, we believe education must shape the mind, heart, and spirit, nurturing not just achievers but compassionate, value-driven human beings.”

This belief, she said, was deeply rooted in the vision of her late grandfather, Dr Stya Paul, and continues under the dynamic leadership of her mother, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia. “Our Golden Jubilee theme, Chronicles of the Cosmos: From Chaos to Calm, beautifully reflects the learning journey, from confusion to clarity, from doubt to discovery. To our award winners, congratulations, you have earned this moment. To those who did not receive an award today, remember this is only a checkpoint, not the finish line. True success is built on curiosity, resilience, kindness, and persistence. Believe in yourselves, work with purpose, and never stop growing. My best wishes to each one of you for the journey ahead,” Dr Neha Berlia said.

It was then time for the school’s Annual Report. The school Vice-principal, Ms Vandana Bansal, extended a heartfelt welcome to all the esteemed dignitaries. The report for the academic year 2025–26 highlighted milestones and accomplishments that added depth and distinction to the school’s evolving narrative.

“The school earned notable recognition, being ranked No. 1 in South East Delhi in the Leaders Category by the Times New Survey 2024 and 2025. Academic excellence continued with outstanding CBSE Class X and XII results, reflecting consistency, resilience, and perseverance,” Ms Bansal shared.

The school continues to nurture innovation, creativity, and holistic growth by encouraging students to think beyond boundaries and express themselves through art and experiential learning. “Students actively participated in national initiatives, Olympiads, and international linguistic platforms. The Golden Jubilee Year was inaugurated with grandeur, alongside Founder’s Day celebrations, vibrant art exhibitions, and a heartfelt tribute to Lord Swaraj Paul, honouring his legacy as a philanthropist, educationist, and visionary leader,” she said.

Ms Bansal also felicitated the esteemed guests with a token of appreciation for giving their valuable time.

It was then time for the moment everyone had been waiting for, the cultural spectacle, Chronicles of the Cosmos. A powerful skit interwoven with evocative dance, it unfolded the timeless journey from chaos to calm, from conflict to conscience, and from noise to harmony, mirroring the movement of humanity and celebrating the quiet, enduring triumph of balance.

Through the 10 primary avatars of the Dashavatar, Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Ram, Krishna, Buddha (or Balaram), and Kalki, the students brought alive the eternal descent of the divine to restore cosmic order and uphold dharma. The skit powerfully illustrated how, whenever chaos engulfed the Earth, an avatar emerged to re-establish harmony and calm.

Adorned in vibrant, expressive costumes, the students captivated the audience with a visually striking dance drama. Draped in shades of blue to symbolise rolling waves, their high-energy, fast-paced movements infused the performance with momentum and vitality, ensuring an atmosphere of continuous engagement and awe.

A ‘vote of thanks’ was delivered by Ms Shruti Pandey, School Coordinator. “I feel privileged to express heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Apeejay family. I thank the Almighty, our visionary leaders, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Mr Nishant Berlia, Mr Aditya Berlia, and Dr Neha Berlia for their guidance and support. I also extend gratitude to our esteemed guests, alumni, parents, teachers, staff, and most importantly, our students, whose efforts made today truly memorable.”

The presentation concluded on a high note with all performers assembling on stage to sing the school song, a moment that resonated with collective pride and the enduring spirit of the school.

Overall, the Annual Appreciation Day at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, concluded as a celebration of legacy, achievement and promise; an affirmation of Apeejay School’s enduring commitment to nurturing empowered minds and shaping a brighter future.