Commemorating 103rd birth anniversary of Dr Stya Paul, a karmayogi who believed “Work is Worship’’

On October 4, 2022, Apeejay Stya Group and Apeejay Education marked the 103^rd birth anniversary of their beloved Founder-Chairman, Dr. Stya Paul. An eminent industrialist, educationist, freedom fighter and philanthropist, his life was a celebrated example of how we can overcome all odds to achieve our dreams.

Fondly addressed by students as ‘Dada-ji’, Dr Stya Paul was a beacon of inspiration. To mark this special occasion, his favourite bhajans were sung at Apeejay School, Kharghar’s premises. The Principal, Ms. Tejaswini Katdare, paid a floral tribute to his photograph and welcomed the school fraternity to the programme.

The essence of the day was gratitude towards the Founder-Chairman who envisioned the school and laid down its vision. He also inspired many future leaders of the country to embark on a journey towards holistic education. On this day, Ms. Katdare reiterated on the need to ‘lead by example’ and emphasised to the students how the mantle of being the topmost legacy school of the country comes with its share of responsibilities.

Further, she also shared a message from Ms. Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education:

“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. He had only concentrated on working hard with dedication and commitment as he believed that “Work is Worship”. Celebrating 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.

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 the Apeejay Education Society (which is a Social Commitment of the Group) into one of the most respected and successful educational organisations of India. Under him, 26 Apeejay institutions- schools, colleges and higher institutes – have come up and flowered to become symbols of excellence in their various disciplines, moulding the life and careers of all future generations. The year 2010 also saw the realisation of his dream of setting up the Apeejay Stya University – a world-class university that would not only be a seat of global learning, but also one that brings about transformation of society through value-based, man-making and nation-building education.”

All the celebrations reflected the vision of Dr. Stya Paul and his remembrance elated the atmosphere with great enthusiasm. Students showcased an inspiring skit based on human values which were central to his ideologies.

A poster-making competition was organised in the school themed, ‘Let’s take forward the legacy of Dr. Stya Paul Ji’ along with a rangoli-making event. The message shared with all the students was how value-based holistic education must focus on acquiring thinking skills and learning for life.

Students were further awarded the prestigious and coveted Dr. Stya Paul Award for Human Values in the school. The best students who personify and exhibit human values in their day-to-day life are felicitated every year- with a citation and a scholarship on the special occasion of Founder’s Day. Vanshika, Nalin Agarwal, Aryan Sinha, Saujanya Thakur and Dirshak Patro were the winners this year.

Towards the end of the event, all students were provided snacks and sweets.