Apeejay School, Rama Mandi Celebrates Founder’s Day with Enthusiasm and Pride

Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, Jalandhar, marked a momentous occasion on October 4, celebrating Founder’s Day in honor of the 105th birth anniversary of the revered Founder Chairman of Apeejay Education, Dr. Stya Paul. A visionary educationist, industrialist, freedom fighter, and philanthropist, Dr. Stya Paul’s life continues to inspire generations to aim higher, persevere through challenges, and embody human values in all aspects of life. His legacy of determination and excellence was the core theme of the event.

The celebrations began with a heartfelt Shradhanjali, a floral tribute paid to the memory of Dr. Stya Paul by the Principal, Vice Principal, staff, students, and parents. The serene and reflective moment was followed by a soulful rendition of Dr. Paul’s favorite bhajans, adding a spiritual tone to the event. These hymns, echoing through the auditorium, served as a reminder of his belief in holistic education, which nurtures both the mind and spirit.

The program then transitioned to a series of thought-provoking presentations by students. Jyotika from Class XI shared an inspiring thought of the day, followed by a stirring talk by Namta Sehgal from Class IX on the theme, Soaring High is My Nature, a motto deeply enshrined in the values of Apeejay Education. Harvisha Chopra, also from Class IX, recited a touching poem that encapsulated the essence of perseverance and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

A skit centered on human values, performed by the students, captured the audience’s attention. The skit creatively illustrated the importance of integrity, respect, and kindness—core values that Dr. Stya Paul championed throughout his life. A video chronicling the illustrious journey of Dr. Stya Paul was also presented, giving the students a glimpse into the challenges he overcame and the remarkable achievements that defined his life.

The celebration reached a high point with a vibrant dance performance by the students. Each move and gesture reflected Dr. Paul’s message of striving for excellence and soaring high, creating an atmosphere of energy and enthusiasm. The performances not only entertained but also deeply resonated with the underlying theme of the day—honouring the visionary leader and his immense contributions to education and society.

In keeping with tradition, the prestigious Dr. Stya Paul Award for Human Values was conferred upon students who have exhibited exemplary behavior and a deep commitment to integrity. This year, the recipients of this esteemed award were Jamehar Kaur Bhatti (Class VIII), Veer Zorawar Singh (Class X), and Misham Bhardwaj (Class XII). The proud parents of the awardees were present in the auditorium, sharing their experiences and reflecting on their children’s enriching journey at Apeejay School.

Principal Mr. A.K. Sharma shared an inspiring message from Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education, in which she paid tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Stya Paul. In her message, she emphasised:

“Today is the 105th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Stya Paul – Founder Chairman of Apeejay Stya Group & Apeejay Education – a day that we celebrate each year as Founder‟s Day. An eminent industrialist, educationist, freedom fighter and philanthropist of the highest order, his life is a shining example of how we can overcome all odds to achieve our dreams and become a beacon of inspiration for all around us.

  Commemorating his birthday is our way of paying tribute to his determination, hard work and spirit of excellence that helped him rise from humble beginnings and overcome physical disabilities to become one of the most successful and respected men of this nation.

Your Principal must have shared some details of his life and work with all of you, but merely words cannot depict or reflect the illustrious achievements of his life, or the depths of his multidimensional personality. I would like to, however, take advantage of the occasion to mention a few things which stand out in my mind – some feelings which I would like to share with all of you.

  The eldest of 7 children, Dr. Stya Paul lost his mother at a very young age and father a few years later. As the eldest son, business and family responsibilities came to rest on his shoulders, very early in life. They were shouldered with lots of love and affection, and from then onwards, he developed the trait of putting others before himself. He was, if anything, a living example of modesty and humility, and preferred to let his work speak for him.

  He had the valuable qualities of hard work, fearlessness and love for truth and these stood him in good stead as he pioneered the Apeejay Stya Group into an industrial conglomerate, and Apeejay Education (which is a Social Commitment of the Group) into one of the most respected and successful educational organisations of India.

 Today Apeejay Education has 26 Educational Institutions – Schools and Higher Education Institutes – all symbols of excellence in their various disciplines, moulding the life and careers of all future generations. Year 2010 also saw the realisation of his dream of setting up the Apeejay Stya University – a world-class university that is not only a seat of global learning, but also one that brings about transformation of society through value-based, man-making and nation- building education.

  Once, I had asked him as to how, from humble beginnings, he had been able to turn Apeejay Stya into one of the biggest success stories of the nation. He had replied that he had only concentrated on working hard with dedication and commitment as he believed that “Work is Worship”. He said that along the way, he met talented and committed people who joined him in his quest for excellence, and good things kept happening.

Over the years, he has been actively associated with several causes – in the field of industry, education and social uplift. Kind, benevolent, and ever ready to help all, he left a lasting impact on all those he came into contact with. All this was done quietly; he never took any credit, only liked to pass it around. He desired no monuments or awards for himself, though over the years, innumerable awards and honours have been conferred on him by governments, universities and organisations for his contribution to the development of the nation, in both education and industry.

  Dr. Stya Paul was always a positive thinker, who faced all of life‟s
 vicissitudes with a smiling countenance, never-say-die attitude and an unflinching faith in the Almighty. Though he was a hard task-master, his punctuality, sense of discipline, dedication and focus made him an ideal role model of excellence for all those who worked with him. For him, work was passion, and he hated to miss office even when he was ill. He had a sharp memory for people, was an excellent listener, apart from being a good orator and writer.

  He was a lover of Urdu poetry and had a deep interest in spiritualism, philosophy, culture and Arts. He had a keen insight into events and people, and loved the company of children. He always remembered those who helped him, and was a friend of friends. He had kind words for even those who opposed him.
 
 Once, many years ago, Swami Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Mission, said three words to him: “Be a Man”. This, my father told me, changed the entire perspective of his life. Today, I would like to convey to everyone that this is what he had always been, in life and deed – a man, in the true sense of the word – Purushottam.
 So, as we remember and honour him on his 105th Birth Anniversary, let us celebrate both what our Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul was, and what he stood for. Let us take a pledge to uphold the legacy of excellence that he leaves behind, and strive to achieve the goals to which he devoted his life.

I would like to end with one of the favourite Urdu couplets of my father, the inspiration behind his life and the motto of Apeejay Education – “Soaring High is my nature”

  Tu shaheen hai parvaaz hai kaam tera Tere samne aasman aur bhi hai

  “You are a falcon. Soaring high is your nature. There are skies yet for you to conquer.”

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Vice Principal Mrs. Aarti Shorey Bhat, who expressed her gratitude to the teachers, students, and parents for their participation and dedication to making Founder’s Day a memorable celebration of Dr. Stya Paul’s enduring legacy.

The celebrations at Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, Jalandhar were not just a tribute to the life of a great man, but also a powerful reminder to every student and staff member of the values they must uphold as they continue their journey, both in school and beyond.