Apeejay Pitampura raises a toast to academic and holistic brilliance

It was a momentous tribute to academic laurels and all-round achievements of Apeejay School, Pitampura. On November 27, Apeejay School, Pitampura, hosted a grand ‘Annual Appreciation Day’ to celebrate the achievements of its students in both academic and non-academic fields for the year 2020-21.

Keeping the Covid-19 guidelines in mind, the event was held online.

Mr Himanshu Gupta, Director, Directorate of Education was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Mr Aditya Berlia, co-promoter of Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, presided over the function in which internationally renowned kathak dancers Ms Nalini and Ms Kamalini were the Guests of Honour.

Besides, the event evoked an enthusiastic response from the teaching staff, alumni, students and parents.

Pitampura faculty member Sapna Sondhi welcomed the guests while students Taniya Gupta and Nitya Goel played hosts for the evening.

Even while battling the challenges posed by the pandemic in the past year, the school won many accolades, thanks to the efforts of the institution and its students. Listing the many exemplary feats, Principal Veena Goel said that the school was ranked no.1 among the top CBSE schools, as per the Times School Survey, North Delhi.It was further ranked no. 9 in the state-rank list of top schools by Education World.Many Apeejay Pitampura students also emerged as top scorers in the board examinations, both from class 10 and class 12. Besides, 11 students of class 9 cleared the prestigious Junior Science Talent Search Examination (JSTSC), she added.

In extra-curricular activities too, the school displayed its mettle. Students bagged top positions in several competitions on performing arts, badminton, table tennis, Spell Bee, photography, monologue, rebuke rebuttal, coding, and many more. A class 2 student made it to the India Book of Records for doing two activities simultaneously. What also deserves special mention is the extraordinary performance of Pitampura students at the Queens Commonwealth Essay Competition, in which students from the school won gold, silver and bronze medals.

While sharing the annual report, Principal Goel said, “The motto of the Apeejay Education Society, ‘Soaring High is My Nature’, enshrines the belief the true education entails the constant pursuit of excellence…The Apeejay school environment embraces the idea that all students can learn. We strive to create an environment that works to build safe learning spaces…Apeejay Education Society is today a name to reckon with. We salute our founder chairman Dr Stya Paul,” she said, before going on to articulate her gratitude to Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Co-promoter and President, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Chairperson, Apeejay Education, along with members of the management board Mr Nishant Berlia, Mr Aditya Berlia and Ms Neha Berlia.

The ‘Annual Appreciation Day’ began with the virtual lighting of the lamp, followed by the chanting of the divine ‘Samudra Vasane Devi’ mantra dedicated to Mother Earth. Other performances included a solo dance based on ‘Asatoma Sad Gamaya’ from the Upanishads, and an instrumental rendition of Raag Kalavati by Symphony, the school orchestra comprising 25 budding musicians.

The school prefect Malvika Tiwari shared an overview of the student achievements in various inter-school competitions. Vice Sports Captain Rhythm Thapa went on to proudly share the list of sports winners for the year. The school organised a virtual sports event for the first time called ‘Sportify 2021’ in association with Special Olympics Bharat and Upasana Special School, Delhi. Sports teams from the school also secured prestigious positions in inter-class matches in kho kho and football, zonal badminton tournament, and zonal table tennis, to name a few.

Ishani Anand, Vice President of Interact Club, recalled how their team took up the initiative of sharing motivational videos for the mental health of children. Interactors spread awareness, helped people in residential localities, and also organised Zoom classes for Upasana School every Saturday.

Principal Ms. Goel further emphasised how Apeejay Schools are reshaping teaching methods to represent a confluence of traditional learning with technological advancements and exploring new pedagogical innovations. “We share a strong school-parent bond through regular interactions with parents. Our alumni are successfully soaring high. I would also like to acknowledge the perseverance and sincere efforts of our teachers,” she added.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Aditya Berlia said, “Such great achievements despite all the challenges! In the beginning, we were one of the few educational institutions to move to a 100 per cent virtual timetable and fulfil all of our examinations. This was only possible because of the extreme hard work of our parents, teachers, students and the staff, who went above and beyond to create a strong supportive community…This is a validation of our investments and deep commitment.

“These were trying times. It was not easy but as things progressed, I think we all came out stronger. My grandfather, Dr Stya Paul, always credited any great achievement as the journey of all of us who walk together. We have learned a lot during this time…There were leaders at the national and local level who helped others. While we talk about our focus on international education and curriculum or experiential learning, Apeejay Education has always stood for values and character and will continue to focus on that. For us, Covid has shown that value and character are the cornerstones for what makes great members and great leaders of our community. We reached out to our large alumni community, and we asked them what the one thing that Apeejay had helped them accomplish was. Their feedback was the same: The values and character instilled in us. Brick by brick, you have built this institution to where it is today, and you will build it tomorrow. The school’s reputation is your reputation.”

Mr Berlia expressed gratitude to all the parents “for the trust you have put in us”. “We know you will help and support us during this incredibly challenging time to create a very positive environment and incredible learning experience.”

Based on the theme of the “celebration of human spirit”, students presented a wonderful dance drama called ‘Movement—behta hai pal, jeete hai chal’, an affirmation of self-belief and hope, motivating people to move on, no matter the hurdles.

Director, Directorate of Education Himanshu Gupta remarked, “This is a very good initiative to have an online appreciation day. In these two years, Apeejay School has done exceptionally good work, which clearly shows the school’s adaptability. The programme was excellent. I am sure that our students, in the times to come, will also perform exceedingly well in various walks of life. We would like to ensure that apart from all government schools, all private schools are also given the opportunity to excel. Let us wait and watch how Covid unfolds but I am sure that with proper forecasting and supervision, it will all pass. I wish all my students, Apeejay School and society for organising such a wonderful annual appreciation function.”

Classical dancer Nalini said art teaches us many values and skills. While improving movement, it also helps build memory, coordination and creativity. The dancers congratulated the students and encouraged them to stay connected to their culture through art.

Following all cultural events, the much-awaited prize distribution ceremony was held. The event ended with the school anthem ‘Soaring High is my Nature’ and an official Vote of Thanks by Vice Principal Renuka Kamal.