Commemorating a legacy by honouring Dr Stya Paul on his 105th birth anniversary

On October 4, 2024, Rhythms Kinderworld, GK-II, paid tribute to an extraordinary leader, Dr Stya Paul, on his birth anniversary. Known for his visionary zeal and lifelong dedication to education, Dr Stya Paul’s legacy continues to inspire generations. His unwavering belief in nurturing young minds and empowering individuals to reach their highest potential remains the cornerstone of the institutions he established, including Apeejay Education.

Dr Stya Paul’s life was one of profound integrity, compassion, and perseverance. His contributions to the field of education transformed countless lives, as he believed in the power of knowledge to shape thinkers, leaders, and global citizens. He built institutes that not only fostered academic excellence but also upheld the values that he held dear — values that continue to be deeply embedded in the ethos of Rhythms Kinderworld and all Apeejay institutions.

The event at the preschool was a poignant moment of reflection, reminding all present of Dr Stya Paul’s remarkable journey and the timeless legacy he left behind. His far-sighted vision, centred on creating an environment where children could thrive, serves as a guiding light for the institute’s mission. The day was a celebration of the ideals he stood for — integrity, compassion, and perseverance — and a reminder of the significant impact his work continues to have on generations of learners.

In honouring his memory, the school community committed itself to the vision he so passionately pursued. The gathering was filled with reverence and respect, as participants reflected on the immense wisdom and strength Dr Stya Paul embodied throughout his life.

Speaking on the momentous occasion, Ms Komal Nathani, School Head, Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, GK II shared, “Dr Stya Paul ji, through his unwavering determination, remarkable skills, and strong leadership, held a pivotal role in his community throughout his life. His deep love for children and commitment to their growth made him a true inspiration. His life serves as a reminder that with dedication and kindness, even from a young age, we can all make a positive impact on the world.”

The celebration was not just a tribute to a great leader but also a call to carry forward his mission with renewed vigour. The spirit of his work lives on in every student empowered, every dream fulfilled, and every child nurtured under his guidance. Dr Stya Paul’s name will forever be etched in the hearts of those whose lives were touched by his vision, serving as a source of inspiration for years to come.

A message from Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education was read out at the event:

“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/Director 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.”

Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, GK II continues to be a testament to his legacy, as the institute strives to ignite the same flame of knowledge, compassion, and excellence in every young mind it nurtures, ensuring that Dr Stya Paul’s mission continues to burn ever brighter in the coming years.