Apeejay School interactors embrace the power of unity and service

Interact Clubs play a vital role in schools by nurturing leadership, empathy, and a sense of service among young learners. They provide students with opportunities to collaborate, engage in community service, and develop essential life skills. Rooted in the philosophy of “service above self,” these clubs inspire responsibility, compassion, and global citizenship.

In this spirit, the Composite Investiture Ceremony of the Interact Clubs for the session 2025–26 was graciously hosted by Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. The occasion witnessed the participation by Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad, and for the first time, by Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, making it a truly collaborative celebration of service and leadership.

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Rotarian Uday Chawla, President, Rotary Club of Delhi Premier, along with eminent Rotarians Ms Meeta Makhan, Secretary of the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier; Mr Anurag Rathi, President-elect of the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier; and Mr Uday Jain, Co-chair of the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier.

Also present for this momentous event were Mr NN Nayyar, Senior Education Officer, Apeejay Education; Ms Purnima Vohra, Officiating Principal, Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad, Sector 21-D; Ms Neha Sharma, Vice-principal, Apeejay’s IB School; Ms Snehlata Krishnan, Principal, Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad; and Ms Vandana Bansal, Officiating Principal, Apeejay School, Pancsheel Park. The event also brought together students and educators in a shared celebration of leadership, service, and community spirit.

The Chief Guest was welcomed with a begul, a tilak and given a ceremonial guard of honour and escorted, along with other eminent Rotarians, to the school’s auditorium. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by the choir of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. The ceremony commenced as the Secretary of the Interact Club at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, called the ‘meeting to order’.

Warm greetings were extended to the chief guest and the distinguished Rotarians present. A heartfelt welcome was extended to Mr NN Nayyar and Ms Purnima Vohra; their presence lent grace and dignity to the occasion.

The event echoed the timeless belief that a life dedicated to others is a life of true value. Guided by the principle of ‘service above self’, the Interact Clubs aim to bring young students together, nurturing leadership, compassion, and social responsibility. Blessings of the Almighty were invoked to illuminate the path of service with commitment and empathy. The Chief Guest, along with all the other dignitaries, was called to light the diya, amidst the chanting of Lord Ganesh’s mantra, Vakratunda Mahakaya. 

As part of its steadfast commitment to sustainability, a symbolic green welcome was accorded to the distinguished guests. This thoughtful initiative reflected the school’s dedication to environmental consciousness while honouring those gracing the occasion. Mr NN Nayyar extended a green welcome to Rtn Chawla. Ms Snehlata Krishnan extended the green welcome to Rtn Makan, Ms Sharma extended the green welcome to Rtn Rathi, and Ms Bansal extended the green welcome to Rtn Jain.

Extending a warm welcome to everyone present, Ms Bansal said, “On behalf of Apeejay Education, I extend a warm and heartfelt greeting to the Rotarians on the special occasion of the composite investiture ceremony of the Interact Clubs of Apeejay’ IB School, Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad and Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. At Apeejay Schools, the values of compassion, integrity, and leadership have always been our guiding light. This noble legacy, envisioned more than five decades ago by our revered Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Dr Stya Paul, and carried forward with wisdom and dedication by Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman of Apeejay Education and Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, continues to inspire generations.

“Today’s ceremony stands as a true testament to this enduring philosophy of service and character-building. I extend heartfelt gratitude to Rotarian Dr Neha Berlia, Chair, Interact, Rotary Club of Delhi Premier, Co-Family Business Owner and Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, for her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to education and social responsibility,” shared Ms Bansal.

Music is the language of the soul, carrying with it the power to move hearts and create lasting impact. Up next was a performance that promises to uplift spirits and touch every heart. The talented choir of Apeejay’s IB School presented a rendition that embodied the ethos of the Interact Club — service, unity, and shared aspirations. Through their melody, the choir celebrates courage, hope, and the unshakeable belief that this is our time to shine. This performance stood as a heartfelt tribute to friendship, togetherness, and the values that bind us as a community.

It was then time to witness a glimpse of Rajasthan’s vibrant cultural heritage. Presenting ghoomar, the traditional folk dance of Rajasthan, performed with grace by the students of Apeejay School, Faridabad, adorned in colourful swirling ghagras and intricate jewellery. Known for its captivating rhythm and elegance, the dance embodies the very spirit of Rajasthan’s rich traditions.

The dance was more than a performance; it was a celebration of joy, culture, and the royal spirit of the desert state. It was then time, that everyone was waiting for. Taking the stage were outgoing Presidents of the Interact Clubs: President, Dhara Goswami, Apeejay School, Faridabad, and Vandita Malik, Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, who shared the initiatives undertaken for the year 2024-25. It was then time for the incoming Presidents to take the stage.

Taking the centre stage for the first time was Apeejay’s IB School. Speaking at the occasion, Ariham Jain, newly appointed President of the Interact Club, shared the roadmap ahead. “It is a true honour to stand before you as the incoming President of the Interact Club at Apeejay’s IB School. This role is not just a title, but a call to action — to serve with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Inspired by Mother Teresa’s reminder that small acts done with great love matter most, our plan for the year includes donating food boxes to families in need, organising a book donation drive to mark International Literacy Day, and hosting our Diwali mela, where proceeds will support charitable causes. Each project reflects our shared belief in kindness and service. Together, we will not only make a difference, we will be the difference,” he said.

Taking the stage next was the newly appointed President of the Interact Club, Aleeza Ismail from Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. “Respected dignitaries, teachers, and fellow interactors. “Interact has taught me that true strength is not in what we do for ourselves, but in what we do for others. My vision is to build a team that feels like family — where every member is valued, and service leads the way. For 2025-26, we will focus on three pillars: Service to society, service to self, and kinship. Guided by these, our projects will promote ecological balance through plantation drives, support underprivileged children with education initiatives, raise awareness on health and hygiene, and extend compassion to soldiers, workers, and the elderly. Together, with dedication and unity, we aim to create ripples of change that touch lives and leave a lasting impact,” she said.

The incoming newly appointed President of the Interact Club, Ahana Chugh of Apeejay School, Faridabad, shared, “Service does not have to be grand to be meaningful — small acts with great intent create real change. This year, our plan includes a Doctor’s Day tribute to honour dedicated healthcare workers, a tree plantation drive to nurture our environment, and a workshop on menstrual hygiene to spread awareness among adolescents. We also look forward to celebrating a green Diwali, conducting an anti-bullying campaign, supporting underprivileged families through donation drives, and promoting sustainability with plastic recycling initiatives. Together with my team, I pledge to serve with compassion, dedication, and purpose.”

This was followed by the passing of the baton to the newly appointed Presidents and other Interact Club members. The oath-taking ceremony was administered by Rtn Chawla, who then took the centre stage and said, “Thank you for the warm hospitality. It is a joy to be here on this special occasion. When I look around, I do not just see students — I see dreamers, leaders, and change makers. I want to share three simple but powerful words, the Rotary motto that is now yours too: Unite for Good. Alone, we can achieve little, but together the impossible becomes possible. Even the smallest acts — a smile, a helping hand, or kindness to a classmate — can create over 100,000 acts of goodness in a year. That is your power.”

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms Shruti Pandey, In-charge, Interact Club at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. “It is my privilege to express heartfelt gratitude to all who made this day possible. On behalf of our principals, teachers, and students, I sincerely thank our distinguished guests for their presence and encouragement. My thanks also to our education officers, principals, and fellow students. Together, let us continue to serve with compassion and purpose,” she said.