Apeejay School, Faridabad, honours excellence at Annual Appreciation Day 2025

Annual Appreciation Day recognises effort, dedication, and positive contributions across the school community. It nurtures a culture of gratitude, motivates students to strive for excellence, and strengthens relationships by making individuals feel valued and acknowledged. Keeping this spirit at its core, Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad, organised its Annual Appreciation Day on the theme Yugantar: The Change of an Era.

The theme represented a transformative shift in thought and action, where tradition strengthens progress, values guide change, and courage, conscience, and purpose shape a new and meaningful era. The function, organised in the school auditorium, saw the august presence of the Guest of Honour, Ms Shweta Mishra, an eminent Kathak exponent. Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner, Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, attended the event virtually. Mr NN Nayyar, Senior Education Officer, Apeejay Education, graced the event as well.

Also present were esteemed alumni, the school’s torchbearers and brand ambassadors, Mr Ravindra Singh Rana, Ms Sangeeta Arora, Mr Parag Gupta, and Ms Manuhita Gupta.  A warm welcome was extended to Mr OP Deshwal, Officer-in-Charge, Sector 15 Police Station. Also present were principals of sister schools, parents, grandparents, teachers, and staff.

The esteemed dignitaries were given a guard of honour by the school band and were escorted by Ms Snehlata Krishnan, Principal, Apeejay School, Faridabad, Ms Gunjan Sharma, Pre-primary In-charge, and Ms Deepa Sharma, Senior Academic Coordinator. They were welcomed by a stirring orchestral performance by the school students. From keyboards and tabla to guitars and drums, each musician played with precision and harmony, creating a seamless and engaging musical experience that had the entire audience enthralled.

This was followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting symbolising the triumph of knowledge over darkness and the beginning of an enlightened and purposeful celebration. Ms Krishnan gave a green welcome, which represented the school’s commitment to growth, gratitude, sustainability, and harmony with nature.

The celebration began under the esteemed patronage of Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Dr Stya Paul, whose life stood as a true example of a Karma Yogi. His belief in value-based, holistic education, with a strong focus on critical thinking and lifelong learning, continues to guide the institution’s journey.

This legacy is being carried forward with dedication and purpose by Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education. The school also expressed gratitude to 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 for their continued guidance.

Acknowledgement was further extended to Dr Neha Berlia as she continues to enrich Apeejay Education through her progressive vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Speaking at the event, Ms Mishra shared, “I feel truly honoured to be back at the school once again. Every visit leaves me deeply moved. On this occasion, I found myself almost speechless, witnessing the wide range of opportunities the school offers for a child’s holistic growth. The confidence of the students, the variety of activities, and the warmth of the environment assure me that these children are growing into individuals who will make their families proud.”

The theme Yugantar resonated strongly with her. “Every era brings change, both positive and challenging, but the strong foundation provided by parents, grandparents, and educators keeps children grounded. Awards and medals are milestones, not destinations. Children must receive unconditional support in whatever path they choose,” she said and added that watching even the youngest children perform with confidence reflected the care, patience, and teamwork behind the scenes, making the function a true celebration of values and nurturing spirit.

Taking the stage, Mr Deshwal shared, “I thank the Principal for nurturing such remarkable students. From the very beginning, I witnessed young children expressing patriotism with confidence and pride. What unfolded on stage reflected the spirit of India in its truest form. I firmly believe that the most honest and spirited people come from this land. Our culture, values, and heritage make India truly unmatched. I applaud the children for bringing this essence alive so beautifully.”

Speaking virtually, Dr Neha Berlia, extending a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and speaking on the theme, said, “I reflect on India’s remarkable journey from the struggle for independence to historic achievements in space, science, sports, and women’s empowerment. From modest beginnings to milestones like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, these transformations remind us that vision, courage, and belief have the power to reshape eras.

“At Apeejay Education, we are committed to nurturing every dimension of a child’s growth, so that students emerge as responsible, compassionate, and confident individuals. Our Founder-Chairman, my late grandfather, Dr Stya Paul, believed that education must harmonise values with knowledge, a philosophy that continues to guide us under the leadership of my mother, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia,” Dr Neha Berlia said.

Reminding the students that awards and certificates are milestones, not destinations, Dr Neha Berlia added that true success lies in curiosity, resilience, and kindness. She acknowledged that parents and teachers take pride not only in what students achieve, but in who they are becoming.

“I encourage our students to keep questioning, keep exploring, and keep believing in their potential, for the world awaits their ideas, integrity, and courage. Choosing purpose over fear and values over convenience is how eras truly change, and I hope the spirit of Yugantar inspires each one of you to dream bigger and contribute meaningfully to the world,” Dr Neha Berlia shared.

The school Principal took the stage to read out the Annual Report. The school reaffirmed its academic and value-driven excellence by securing Rank 1 by the Times Now School Ranking 2025 (Faridabad – Leader’s Category) and earning recognition for holistic education. Outstanding Class X and XII results, national-level achievements, merit-based scholarships, and the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values reflected a strong culture of excellence, ethics, and overall development.

With India celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram, the young Apeejayites presented a stirring dance performance where devotion found expression through movement. Each gesture became a reverent salutation to the motherland, recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters and echoing the spirit of Yugantar as a defining shift that reshaped India’s destiny and collective consciousness.

All the performances reflected the spirit of Yugantar, where transformation is shaped by courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve. It honoured the journey of progress born from struggle, guided by timeless values, and carried forward by resilience. Each movement and note stood as a reminder that change is not passive; it is earned, lived, and continually becoming.

It was then time for the tiny tots to take the stage and mesmerise everyone with their moves and grooves. Dressed in colourful attire, the kids stole everybody’s hearts. Their infectious energy, bright smiles, and confident expressions filled the auditorium with joy, drawing warm applause from an appreciative audience. The presentation reflected the energy, determination, and dreams of today’s youth.

The next performance set the tone with powerful movements that celebrated dreamers who rise, fall, and rise again, embodying confidence, resilience, and fearless expression. This was followed by a high-energy jazz performance marked by bold choreography and vibrant flair, celebrating freedom, individuality, and cultural awareness. Together, the two performances captured the dynamic pulse, inclusivity, and optimism of a changing era.

It was then time to celebrate a generation that questions, evolves, and stays rooted in its origins. Through a flowing yoga dance, students honoured Mother Earth, drawing strength from tradition while reaching higher in spirit. Calm breaths and balanced movements conveyed gratitude, harmony, and inner strength, reflecting cultural wisdom and the quiet courage of those who dare to dream and rise.

This was followed by prize distribution, celebrating the achievements of the students in various categories. Ms Mishra, along with Mr NN Nayyar, accompanied by Ms Krishnan, gave away the certificates, medals and team trophies. The Principal also felicitated Ms Mishra with a token of appreciation.

The next performance unfolded as a powerful poetic tribute to Bharat, portraying the nation as an eternal, awakened soul rooted in knowledge, spirituality, and wisdom. Through evocative narration and movement, it recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters such as Rani of Jhansi, Bhagat Singh, and Subhas Chandra Bose, reflecting India’s timeless journey across eras and celebrating resilience, truth, and its enduring message of universal peace.

In a ‘vote of thanks, Ms Sharma said, “A heartfelt vote of thanks to the Almighty for blessing us with a successful and memorable evening. I express my sincere gratitude to our esteemed guests, alumni, parents, management, principal, teachers, and staff for their guidance and support. I also acknowledge those who could not be present and thank our students, whose discipline, enthusiasm, and dedication brought this celebration to life.”

It was then time for the grand finale; all participants gathered on stage, reflecting unity, harmony, and a shared vision that captured the true spirit of Yugantar. The event ended on a high note with the singing of the National Anthem!