Education should encompass holistic development, emphasises Dr Joseph Emmanuel, Director- Academics at CBSE

The Annual Appreciation Day is an event that takes place every year to acknowledge the consistent effort and achievements of students throughout the academic cycle. Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, marked this occasion with a special celebration for the primary wing on January 20, 2024. The event was virtually attended by Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter of Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University.

The day was a showcase of talent, hard work, and dedication in both academics and extracurricular activities, offering a moment for the school, parents, and students to collectively celebrate growth, resilience, and achievement.

This year’s theme, ‘Unboxed,’ highlighted the challenge of societal norms and stereotypes that restrict individuals within metaphorical boxes. It encouraged breaking free from these limitations to allow children to live authentically.

The festivities began with a captivating street play on the school grounds, titled ‘Mobile mein simti duniya’, which critically examined our lives within the confines of mobile technology.

The event continued with a march past, where participants paid their respects to distinguished guests, including Dr Joseph Emmanuel, Director-Academics at Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Ms Ragini Rainu, a Sufi singer, Mrs Surabhi Joshi, the Principal, Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, Ms Vandana Bansal, Vice-principal, along with principals of sister Apeejay schools, teachers, parents, and other dignitaries.

The opening ceremony, featuring a green welcome and the lighting of the lamp, set a hopeful tone for the event, emphasising not just past achievements but the bright future ahead. The performances of the day were particularly touching, showcasing the impressive accomplishments of Apeejay School and students.

Dr Emmanuel praised the holistic approach to education, underscoring the importance of values, mindset, and attitude in achieving greatness and success. He aligned this approach with the National Education Policy, advocating for a transformative change through risk-taking, resilience, and a cycle of knowledge, creativity, values, and societal contribution.

He also invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings on compassion and support for society and most vulnerable as a guide for impactful decision-making, highlighting the strides made by India in self-sufficiency and scientific advancement since independence.

He encouraged everyone to dream big and support those less fortunate, envisioning India as a fully developed nation by 2047. He congratulated all award winners and motivated them by  emphasising that dedication and consistency are key to success.

Ms Rainu shared insights from her exploration of saint poets like Kabir and Ravidas, emphasising the absence of religious division in their works and the importance of overcoming social evils through reform and liberation. She applauded the event’s blend of traditional and Western music, reflecting the school’s commitment to challenging stereotypes.

With a powerful message of unity and spirituality, she urged everyone to see beyond prejudices and recognize our shared divine heritage. She ended with a poignant verse from Hazrat Ali Khusro, encapsulating the transformative power of love and understanding — Khusrau darya prem ka, ulti wa ki dhaar, Jo utra so doob gaya, jo dooba so paar.

Attending the Annual Appreciation Day virtually, Dr Neha Berlia warmly welcomed everyone, especially Dr Joseph Emmanuel, Director, Academics at CBSE, “Dr Emmanuel’s  contributions to reforming CBSE at various levels have been significant. We are also honoured to have Ragini Rainu with us, an exceptionally talented singer who has made a remarkable impact in the music world. A special welcome goes out to all the esteemed guests, members of the Apeejay family, students, teachers, parents, and alumni who are here today. Our school has achieved remarkable success in academics, extracurricular activities, sports, and community services, and it’s a privilege to celebrate these accomplishments with you all,” Dr Neha Berlia said.

She shared the inspiring vision of his late grandfather, Founder-Chairman Dr Stya Paul, which continues to guide Apeejay’s educational endeavours. This legacy, now carried forward in the spirit of her mother, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education, and Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, remains a beacon of truth, wisdom, and excellence.

“The Apeejay family has grown to encompass 27 educational institutions nationwide, nurturing over 40,000 students with the support of 65,000 alumni and 5000 dedicated educators and staff. Our commitment to providing a value-based, holistic education that includes cutting-edge subjects like artificial intelligence and incorporate the teachings of Swami Vivekananda’s Ramakrishna Mission remains unwavering.”

“Reflecting on my journey as an Apeejay alumnus and the profound impact it has had on my life,  reminded of the importance of continuing our legacy of excellence. Our collective achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Apeejay family,” she said and added that today (January 20), we celebrate not only our past successes but also our commitment to building a brighter future.

“A future where each student, teacher, alumnus, and dream finds a nurturing environment to thrive at Apeejay. Our school’s s distinction is evident through our student’s accomplishments, board results, awards, and accolades. Congratulations to all the awardees today; your determination and hard work are commendable. For those who have not received an award, remember, that the promise of a brighter tomorrow starts with your efforts today. We are all authors of the future, tasked with writing a story of success driven by the right intentions. I extend my gratitude to the entire community for placing your trust in us — your faith in our school is a sacred bond that we cherish deeply,” Dr Neha Berlia said. She also said that Apeejay continues to move forward, guided by our values and the support of each family. “We are excited about the future and grateful for your ongoing trust and support. I commend our teachers and Principal Mrs Surabhi Joshi for their exceptional dedication, which has been pivotal to our students’ success. May our school reach new heights of achievement,” Dr Neha Berlia said.

She concluded her speech by reflecting on her family’s educational legacy, expressing a desire to pass on this legacy to her children, just as her grandfather and mother did for her. She then invoked the empowering words of Swami Vivekananda- quote–All power is within you. You can do anything and everything. Believe in that. Do not believe that you are weak. Stand up and express the divinity within you.

This statement underscores the belief in the inherent strength and the potential for greatness within each individual, encouraging everyone to recognise and express their inner power.

Taking the stage, Mrs Joshi said that we celebrate the remarkable journey of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, marking 48 years of excellence and achievement, alongside the commendable talents of our students. She highlighted the school’s dedication to nurturing young minds with quality education and global perspectives, aiming for holistic development in moral, social, and spiritual domains.

“I honour the school’s legacy by Founder-Chairman Dr Stya Paul; he was a visionary educationist and philanthropist, whose ideals of resilience and human values continue to guide Apeejay Education. His daughter, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, now leads with distinction, expanding the Apeejay legacy across 27 institutes. Her groundbreaking roles in education and pharmaceuticals underscore her commitment to academic excellence and educational reform.

“I extend my appreciation to Mr Nishant Berlia, Co-Promoter Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro- Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University and Mr Aditya Berlia, Co-Promoter of Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University whose leadership and entrepreneurial spirit contribute significantly to the group’s  educational and industrial endeavours. 

Dr Neha Berlia’s academic and leadership roles further emphasise the family’s dedication to educational excellence and innovation. Mrs Joshi also warmly welcomed everyone to this event, especially the esteemed guest, Dr Joseph Emmanuel, Director-Academics at CBSE. “Despite his incredibly busy schedule, Dr Emmanuel graciously joined us, reflecting his significant contributions to educational reforms at CBSE. We are also honoured to have Ragini Rainu, an exceptionally talented singer known for her captivating performances, as our guest of honour.

“I extend my greetings to all distinguished guests, members of the Apeejay family, including students, teachers, parents, and alumni, who are with us today. I applaud our school for its remarkable achievements across academics, extracurricular activities, sports, and community service. Your dedication and hard work are truly commendable,” Mrs Joshi said.

A mesmerising dance performance to the rhythm of Kung Faya opened the Annual Day celebration, setting a tone of joy and festivity. The event recognised the achievements of students in the 2022-2023 academic year, celebrating accolades in human values, CBSE Board results for classes X and XII, extracurricular activities, and more.

The school showcased its initiatives, including value-based assemblies, educational trips, and the robotics club, among others. The evening’s magic continued with delightful dances and a captivating orchestra by students from nursery to class II. A narrative play emphasised environmental preservation, featuring a tale of a selfish giant as performed by the youngest participants. The performances expanded to include a mix of Indian classical and fusion dances, with a unique addition of robotic and skating performances, showcasing the diverse talents of our students. The highlight was a group of students in black, with painted faces, embodying the theme – Unboxed – perfectly blending melodies and narratives to express the event’s core message. 

Vice-principal Ms Vandana Bansal extended heartfelt thanks in her closing remarks, appreciating the contributions of Dr VS Garg, Educational Advisor of Apeejay Education and Mr Sharad Tiwari, Education Officer fellow principals, alumni, Principal Mrs Joshi, parents, and students. She expressed pride in the collective spirit and hard work showcased, offering gratitude for the blessings that made the event a success. 

The celebration concluded with a powerful call to break stereotypes, uniting all performers on stage with lamps symbolising unity.