Apeejay School, Pitampura delights in “Aks-E-Aina”

‘Mirror! Mirror on the wall! Who is the prettiest of them all?’ These iconic lines from the legendary fairy tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves convey the many levels at which a mirror touches our lives. From reflecting outer beauty to helping us look within, a mirror is more than an object of beauty care. It is an instrument of truth.

Keeping up the same enthusiasm and learnings from a super successful day 1 of their Annual Appreciation Day ‘Aks-E-Aina’, Apeejay School, Pitampura celebrated Day 2 of the event .

The Guest of Honour Ms Vedhita Reddy, Director Education and Sports, Government of NCT of Delhi and Special Invitee Prof. Payal Pahwa, Principal, Bhagwan Parshuram Institute of Technology, were given a guard of honour by the school band and were accorded a green welcome along with other dignitaries. Education Officers SC Tiwari and Purnima Vohra were also present for the special occasion that elevated the grandeur of the event. 

The Annual Appreciation Day 2 event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp as delightful multi-cultural hymns by the school orchestra created a peaceful atmosphere. 

Speaking on the occasion, Guest of Honour, Mrs Vedita Reddy, said, “I am simply speechless to witness such lovely performances. The enthusiasm in all the performances was simply extraordinary. I congratulate the school on capturing the theme of self-reflection so beautifully.  To all the students, my advice would be to set goals for the coming year and celebrate the current success. Be it sports, academics or extracurriculars, give your best!”

Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, shared a special video message on this occasion while warmly welcoming the dignitaries. “At Apeejay Education, we always encourage our students to soar higher. I congratulate the school for its commendable work in all realms. An education rooted in Indian culture has been the hallmark of Apeejay Education. Resilience, adversity, caution, and a broad spectrum of human values are blended seamlessly with the curriculum. On the other hand, arts, music, sports, theatre in education, yoga and meditation are all synergised with the curriculum. In essence, Apeejay Education is a social commitment of my grandfather, Dr Stya Paul, an eminent industrialist, educationist, freedom fighter, and philanthropist. He is the inspiration behind all of our institutions.” 

She further mentioned, “We adopt emerging technology at all levels of a student’s journey, including the new frontiers of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things. I congratulate all those who are going to get prizes today. To those who have not, I would like to say that you should never give up on your dreams. I congratulate Principal Mrs Veena Goel and her dedicated team for their commendable work.”

Before reading the Annual Appreciation report, Mrs Veena Goel, Principal, paid homage to the Founder-Chairman Dr Stya Paul and spoke about his fortitude amidst the countless struggles he faced throughout his life. Mrs Goel also expressed her gratitude towards Mrs Sushma Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education, Mr Nishant Berlia, Mr Aditya Berlia, and Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Promoters, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellors, Apeejay Stya University.

Expressing delight on the school’s multi-dimensional achievements throughout the year Mrs Goel emphasised, “Education is the passport to a successful future and Apeejay School, Pitampura leaves no stone unturned to provide holistic education. It brings me immense joy to look back on such a fruitful year where the school achieved both the expected and the unexpected and also managed to set new milestones across academics, sports, extracurriculars and even beyond.”

The grand occasion featured a stellar performance titled “Magical Melody” by Symphony, the school orchestra. The show saw a soulful rendition of Raag Kirwani, as students presented this classical raag via multiple Indian and Western instruments such as violin, mandolin, sitar, guitar, drum and others.

A short animated film elaborating the theme of the evening Aks-E-Aina shared with all the potential of positive self-affirmation. It was followed by an invocation and stuti to Lord Ganesha seeking blessings for a smooth event.

And the invocation brought fruits, as the next performance “Girl in the Mirror” dance by the pre-primary students became the star attraction of the evening. Dancing with unmatched charisma in their shiny dance costumes, the thundering applause from the audience was a heartfelt appreciation for the uncontainable talent of the students.

It was awe-inspiring to see how the tiny tots made picturesque entrances between song transitions and had a perfect sync in their dance movement. It was nothing short of spectacle to behold as kids spread their sparkle to loud applause. Be it entering the stage with long cinematic slides or acrobatic cartwheel movements or using the mirror as prop behind the dance costumes, it was simply cuteness overloaded.  

The audience gave a similar applause as the school choir sang a philosophical masterpiece ‘Tora Mann Darpan Kehlaaye’. The song with its deep introspective lyrics highlighted how the human mind is a mirror reflecting one’s beliefs, values and aspirations.  

The showstopper dance drama Aks- E-Aina began with two identical looking students standing on both sides of a giant mirror and narrating the audience the truth behind illusions and reflections.

Through a delightful depiction of the iconic fairy tale Snow White and Her Seven Dwarves, accompanied by lovely dances such as the dance of the evil mother along with splendid theatrical performances by the students, the lesson of one’s beauty being in one’s good deeds and not in external self was well received.

Finally, the message of self-reflection was highlighted through the valorous tale of Rani Padmavati who defeated the enemy forces plans by reducing herself to ashes via Jauhar (self-immolation). School students skillfully balanced pots on their heads and performed the much celebrated Ghoomar dance. The Jauhar scene was displayed craftily as fog was spread on one side of the stage signaling the Jauhar pit, as a distraught emperor Khilji cried in disbelief reflecting upon his grave folly.

 A special dance performance followed as students wore mono-chromatic colours, highlighting the inner turmoil one faces while self-reflection with the process finally culminating in a peaceful self-acceptance of both good and bad traits.

Apeejay School, Pitampura celebrated its class 10 school toppers across all streams. The school also gave a shout out to students securing prestigious scholarships, awards and cracking entrance exams to secure admission in prestigious institutions across the nation.  

The School continues to foster excellence across academics, sports, arts, and values, providing a holistic education to its students and preparing them to excel in various fields.

This was followed by the prize distribution ceremony as Special Invitee Prof Payal Pahwa awarded prizes to the class 10 school and subject toppers across all streams and also gave away the special achievements awards.  

Lastly, the vote of thanks was presented by the Vice Principal of the school Dr Renuka Kamal. The event concluded with the school song as all participating students came on the stage creating a vibrant and enriching atmosphere.