‘Apeejay gives credence to nurturing talent and building confidence through balance education’

He is in the profession epitomised by the phrase – pen is mightier than the sword. From posing questions to well-known bureaucrats to now being on the other side of the table during this candid interview, he has indeed come a long way. Meet Chetan Bhutani, a seasoned journalist who completed his schooling from Apeejay School, Saket in 2009.

Read edited excerpts here:

What are you doing professionally now?

I am an economic policy journalist and report on economic policy related to India’s infrastructure and financial sector, including highways, finance, railways, shipping, telecom, petroleum, and natural gas. Currently, I work as an Associate Editor at the India Today Group. I work across multiple platforms and languages, offering in-depth coverage of the auto industry, regulations, new products, and reviews as well. I am also a keen observer of India’s stock market.

What does a typical day look like?

My day starts early with a review of the day’s important news events. I read at least three newspapers to stay informed about overnight developments both in India and globally, as well as updates on social media. As a reporter, being on the ground is crucial, so my day involves meeting officials, attending, and covering key events where newsmakers and policymakers are present.

Tell us about your school life.

My school life at Apeejay was a wonderful learning experience. Since I began working early in life, I didn’t get to fully enjoy my university years, making my school memories all the more special. I was quite a naughty child who didn’t enjoy studying much but had a passion for sports and extracurricular activities. The encouragement I received from my teachers helped me understand the importance of pursuing what I love.

Share a few nostalgic memories from Apeejay.

I still have fond memories of my school life. Preparing for the annual day event, inter-school sports competitions, and explaining to teachers why I wouldn’t be attending classes, staying back after school hours are some of the highlights. Those back-bench moments with my friends, who I am still in touch with, are unforgettable.

How were the teachers at Apeejay?

The teachers at Apeejay truly made the school feel like a home away from home. We all had our favourite teachers, and I could always rely on them for support. Teachers were incredibly supportive, especially since I wasn’t the strongest student academically. Their encouragement and understanding helped me tremendously, allowing me to grow both personally and academically.

What is your dream and goal in life?

My dream is to establish myself in the field of journalism, to ask hard-hitting questions to those in power, and to always stand up for the truth. I aim to make a meaningful impact through my work, bringing important issues to the forefront and contributing to informed public discourse.

Any message for the students of the school?

My message to the students of Apeejay is to embrace the school’s motto, ‘Soaring High is My Nature’. Let this philosophy guide you in all your endeavours. Stay curious, be fearless in the pursuit of your dreams, and always strive for excellence. With determination and hard work, you will achieve great things.

Your comments on the brain drain trend.

Brain drain is a significant issue as it results in the emigration of our most talented individuals seeking better opportunities abroad. It is crucial for our country to create an environment that offers attractive opportunities and growth prospects to retain and attract talent. By investing in education, innovation, and infrastructure, we can create a more conducive atmosphere for our skilled professionals to thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth and development.

How did Apeejay help you hone your skills?

Apeejay played a pivotal role in honing my skills by providing a well-rounded education that balanced academics with extracurricular activities. The support and encouragement from teachers helped me discover and develop my interests and strengths. The school’s emphasis on holistic development and its nurturing environment allowed me to grow into a confident and capable individual, ready to take on the challenges of the professional world.

For admission enquiry, please contact:

Apeejay School, Saket

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Phone Number: 7303-096-826, 9205-316-679

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