An Apeejay School, Noida alumnus from the batch of 2025, Parva Barthwal has always balanced academics with extracurricular passions. From playing the bagpipe in the school band to preparing for one of India’s toughest entrance exams, CLAT,his journey reflects discipline, courage, and adaptability. In this conversation, he opens up about his experiences at Apeejay, his law aspirations, and the role of school life in shaping his personality.
Read edited excerpts:
Parva, tell us about your current academic path.
I am pursuing BBLLB (Hons.) at BITS Law. Honestly, I wasn’t initially planning on studying law, I was preparing for integrated management courses. But around September–October, I explored law as an option, and it immediately fascinated me. I then began preparing for CLAT, gave the exam, and got admitted.
How did Apeejay Noida influence your decision-making during this time?
Apeejay didn’t directly guide me towards law, but it certainly supported me when I was in a dilemma. CLAT takes place in December, the same time as pre-boards. My teachers advised me to focus on the entrance first, reassuring me that they would help me later with the second pre-boards. That guidance was a huge relief.
What soft skills from school are helping you in college now?
Apeejay helped me step out of my shell. I built leadership skills while managing group activities and became more confident, which is essential in law where communication and teamwork matter.
You were also part of the school band. How did that shape you?
Yes, I joined the band in Class 7 and played the bagpipe under the mentorship of our school’s band sir. Band taught me discipline – how to focus, stand in formation, and carry myself with precision. The highlight was being awarded Best Band Player for Bagpipe this year.
Any memorable experiences from band performances?
Definitely! Performing at the police lines was unforgettable. Imagine being a school student marching alongside trained professionals during Independence Day and Republic Day parades; it felt extremely patriotic. Watching my elder brother’s friends in the band had inspired me to join, and I’ve always cherished that decision.
Looking back, what stands out the most from your school life?
It’s hard to pick just one memory. The school trips, Children’s Day when teachers performed for us, and Teacher’s Day events were all special. Apeejay has been home for 14–15 years, and every moment there is etched in my heart.