Apeejay’s IB School celebrates the Class of 2026 with pride and grace 

The much-anticipated Graduation Ceremony 2026, at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, was convened with remarkable splendour and ceremonial gravitas on May 23, 2026. The evening commemorated a defining academic milestone for the graduating cohorts of DP-2, MYP-5, and PYP-5, encapsulating the school’s unwavering commitment to scholastic distinction, global citizenship, and holistic pedagogy.  

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Dr Arunish Chawla, IAS, Secretary, Department of Investment and Public Management, Ministry of Finance, and the Guest of Honour was Dr Anurag Batra, Chairman of Business World Group. The ceremony was also graced by the presence of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group; Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University; and Chairman, Apeejay Education; and Mr Nishant Berlia, Co-Owner and Director (Family Business Board) Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Lead-Pharmaceutical Vertical, Office Bearer, Apeejay Education, Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University.  

Also present were Dr VS Garg, Education Advisor, Apeejay Education, and Mr NN Nayyar, Senior Education Officer, Apeejay Education. Mrs. Anita Paul, and Mr Sharad Tiwari, Education Officers, Apeejay Education, along with Mr. Vivek Seigell, SVP Corporate Affairs, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, were also present. In a remarkable display of solidarity and academic fellowship, principals and delegations from sister schools, including Apeejay School, Pitampura, Apeejay Svran Global School, Apeejay School, Noida, Apeejay School, Faridabad, Apeejay School, Saket, and Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, GK-2, also marked their gracious presence alongside Mr Stephen James Tumpane, Principal cum Director-Research and Capability Development, Ms Neha Sharma, Vice-principal, faculty members, parents, and guests from the academic fraternity.     

The ceremonial proceedings commenced with a traditional yet elegantly curated welcome protocol. Kayna Johari of DP-1 extended a ceremonial tilak welcome and flowers to Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, while Aahana and Adiya of MYP-1 received Mr Nishant Berlia with bouquets and customary greetings. Graduation insignia badges were subsequently conferred upon all dignitaries. The guests were adorned in maroon academic regalia, while the school leadership donned distinguished blue ceremonial robes, lending the occasion a profound sense of academic pageantry.    

An impeccably orchestrated march-past followed, during which students escorted the dignitaries along a red-carpeted procession into the magnificently embellished auditorium. Adorned in an opulent graduation aesthetic, the venue radiated sophistication and celebratory fervour. The facilitators, serving as comperes for the evening, initiated the proceedings with an eloquent welcome address, setting an atmosphere of dignity and anticipation.   

The ceremony formally commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp. An enduring emblem of enlightenment, wisdom, and intellectual awakening. This was succeeded by the grand academic procession of the graduating cohorts of DP-2, MYP-5, and PYP-5, whose entry into the auditorium was met with resounding applause and palpable pride from the audience. 

As an expression of gratitude and institutional appreciation, the dignitaries were felicitated with a green welcome accompanied by commemorative mementoes. The cultural dimension of the evening unfolded with a spellbinding Odissi recital titled Mrigtrishna-The Golden Depiction, presented by Vamika Tripathy of MYP-3. Gracefully adorned in traditional attire and ghungroos, the performer delivered a visually arresting and emotionally evocative rendition that resonated deeply with the audience. 

A profoundly poignant interlude followed with the screening of a commemorative visual tribute honouring the visionary founder, Dr Stya Paul, Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group. The presentation evoked an atmosphere of collective reflection and reverence, reminding the gathering of his enduring educational legacy and transformational contribution to nation-building through learning. 

All the dignitaries and esteemed guests were given a heartfelt and warm welcome by the school Principal. Talking about the visionary legacy of Dr Stya Paul, he highlighted how his ideals continue to inspire the ethos of Apeejay School International and the larger Apeejay Education ecosystem. He highlighted and acknowledged the ongoing legacy mentioned by Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia. 

He also acknowledged Mr Nishant Berlia, Mr Aditya Berlia, Co-Owner and Director (Family Business Board) Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Lead-AI Vertical and Innovations, Office Bearer, Apeejay Education, Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, and Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Owner and Director (Family Business Board), Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Lead-Education Vertical, Office Bearer, Apeejay Education, Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University for their leadership and contributions.

Taking the centre stage, Dr Chawla congratulated the graduating Class of 2026 and described the occasion as a proud homecoming, recalling his personal association with the Apeejay family. Appreciating the remarkable efforts of the Principal, Vice-Principal, faculty, and parents, he applauded the school for nurturing excellence and holistic growth. Emphasising that the 21st century is an era of continuous learning, he encouraged students to remain adaptable, patient, and receptive to new ideas throughout life. 

Drawing from his international experiences, he highlighted how Indian students continue to excel globally owing to their strong cultural and moral foundations. I would advise the graduates to uphold humility, listen to others with empathy, and value perseverance as they embark upon new journeys across the world. Concluding on an encouraging note, he extended his heartfelt wishes and congratulations to the graduating cohort for a successful future ahead. 

Dr Batra urged the graduating Class of 2026 to pursue success with compassion, resilience, and integrity. Emphasising the importance of the 3 Cs: Never Compare, Criticise, or Complain, he encouraged students to remain authentic and empathetic in an increasingly competitive world. He highlighted the 3 Hs as well: Hard Work, Humility, and Hope, as the foundational pillars of meaningful success and personal growth.  

Concluding his address with the 3 Gs: Gratitude, Grit, and Grace. I would want the students to remain thankful, resilient in adversity, and graceful in both achievement and failure. His speech resonated profoundly with the audience, leaving behind invaluable life lessons and words of enduring inspiration for the graduating cohort. 

Taking centre stage, Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia shared, “Today, as we celebrate a remarkable decade of excellence at Apeejay School International, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating Class of 2026 and acknowledge the outstanding IB evaluation received by the institution. This achievement stands as a testament to the relentless efforts of our leadership, faculty, and staff in upholding the pillars of IB education: purpose and values, leadership and collaboration, experiential learning, and community engagement.”

Reflecting upon the inspiring legacy of Dr Stya Paul, whose life embodied resilience, courage, humility, and unwavering commitment towards value-based education despite immense personal challenges, she asked the students to close their eyes and reflect on all those who had made a difference in their lives, encouraging them to express gratitude towards them. 

She emphasised that gratitude is an essential value that nurtures humility and positivity. “As you step into the future, remember that true success lies not merely in achievements or material accomplishments, but in character, compassion, integrity, and fearlessness. Rise above distractions and challenges like an eagle, continue soaring high, and always carry gratitude in your hearts for the parents, teachers, and mentors who shaped your journeys,” Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia shared.

She reiterated the significance of the school motto as it comes from the beautiful couplet, “Tu shaheen hai, parwaaz hai kaam tera, Tere saamne aasmaan aur bhi hain,” which inspires one to rise fearlessly and keep striving for greater heights. Its essence beautifully translates to: “You are a falcon; soaring high is your true nature. There are many more skies waiting for you to conquer.” 

In conclusion, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia extended heartfelt blessings and best wishes for a future filled with purpose, fulfilment, and meaningful contribution to society. 

Mr Nishant Berlia, reflecting on his journey as an alumnus, encouraged students to embrace life with confidence and courage. He emphasised the importance of believing in oneself, taking risks while young, and understanding that life often unfolds in unexpected ways. He reminded students to value the sacrifices and unwavering support of their parents and loved ones, whose greatest happiness lies in their success. Concluding on an inspiring note, Mr Nishant Berlia said, “I would like to extend my best wishes to the graduating cohort for the journey ahead.”

Drawing inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s timeless poem Where the Mind is Without Fear, Mr Tumpane encouraged students to embrace courage, integrity, and freedom of thought while navigating an evolving global landscape. Emphasising resilience, ethical leadership, and intellectual curiosity, he urged graduates to remain grounded yet fearless in shaping meaningful change. 

He also presented the Annual Report for the academic session 2025–2026, highlighting the school’s significant milestones, pedagogical advancements, and its illustrious decade-long journey of academic excellence and sustained institutional growth.

The stage was taken over by the vice head girl, Kayna Johari, and vice head boy, Aaditya Nath Mathur of DP-1, who articulated the numerous student-led initiatives and landmark accomplishments undertaken throughout the academic year. Their presentation encompassed AI culminations, student-led clubs, French and Spanish Olympiads, ISSO Football participation, inter-tribe competitions, visual arts showcases, the Investiture Ceremony, Founder’s Day celebrations, the ASI x MIT Exchange Programme, the Korean Embassy e-Portfolio initiative, TOK Exhibition, Visual Arts Exhibition, DP Science Project Workshop, Annual Sports Meet, Library Month, special assemblies, and immersive educational excursions.  

Amplifying the cultural resonance of the evening, the school choir delivered an exceptionally stirring musical performance that captivated the audience. Thereafter, a deeply nostalgic “Down the Memory Lane” visual presentation dedicated to MYP5, PYP5, and DP2 students illuminated the auditorium with treasured memories, emotional reflection, and heartfelt gratitude, particularly among the graduating cohort and their families.

The most anticipated segment of the evening ensued as the graduating students were ceremonially invited onto the stage and conferred with graduation certificates and trophies, signifying the culmination of years of perseverance, intellectual inquiry, and personal evolution.

In recognition of exemplary academic distinction, the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Valedictorian Award 2026 was conferred upon Tani Bansal of DP-2, who addressed the audience with a thoughtful speech reflecting on the growth, challenges, and memories that shaped the IB journey.

“It is graduation time. Seven hundred and thirty days of the IB Diploma Programme have brought us to this milestone. Somewhere between IAs, TOK reflections, deadlines, laughter in the corridors, and moments of chaos and camaraderie, we grew into more resilient and confident individuals. Apeejay School International gave us more than academics. It gave us friendships, leadership, memories, and the courage to find our voices. As vice head girl, I saw how the school trusted us with responsibility, often before we fully trusted ourselves. To our teachers and parents, thank you for your constant support and belief in us. Class of 2026, as we step ahead, let us carry these lessons forward with ambition, conviction, and faith in the stories we are yet to write.”

 This was followed by the announcement of the Student of the Year Award, presented to Ria Chadha. In her address, she reflected on the challenges, friendships, and lessons that defined the IBDP journey. “The IBDP tested us in every possible way, through deadlines, sleepless nights, exam panic, and countless cups of caffeine. Yet, somehow, we made it here together. Somewhere between extended essays, laughter in the corridors, and unforgettable friendships, we became more resilient, compassionate, and stronger versions of ourselves. The school gave us more than academics. It gave us memories, people who became family, and lessons that will stay with us forever. To our teachers and parents, thank you for standing beside us through every challenge. Class of 2026, may we always lead with kindness, courage, and heart,” said Ria.

It was then time for the graduating students to participate in the symbolic tassel-turning ceremony: An iconic rite of passage signifying transition, accomplishment, and the commencement of a new chapter. 

The ‘vote of thanks’ was delivered by Ms Neha Sharma. “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the distinguished dignitaries, education advisors from the Apeejay Education head office, principals of our sister schools, facilitators, administrative and support staff, parents, and dear students whose unwavering support and collective efforts made this ceremony a grand success. I pay my sincere tribute to the visionary legacy of Dr Stya Paul and express deep appreciation to Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia and the Apeejay leadership fraternity for their constant guidance and encouragement. To the graduating Class of 2026, I congratulate each one of you for your resilience, achievements, and indomitable spirit. As you step into a new chapter of life, may you continue to excel, inspire, and uphold the values nurtured at Apeejay School International,” she said. 

The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem. More than an annual academic observance, the Graduation Ceremony 2026 emerged as a distinguished confluence of scholarship, culture, legacy, and aspiration, an occasion that shall remain indelibly etched in the memory of Apeejay’s IB School.