Founder’s Day is celebrated with fervour and spreads joy and cheer at this school

Apeejay School, Kharghar, commemorated Founder’s Day on October 4, 2024, with a special assembly dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of Dr Stya Paul, Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya Group & Apeejay Education. The event was a heartfelt tribute, embodying the principles that continue to shape the school community, centred on Dr Stya Paul’s motto, “Soaring High is My Nature.”

The assembly commenced with the offering of shraddhanjali and the ceremonial garlanding of Dr Stya Paul’s portrait by the Principal, faculty members, and student representatives. This solemn gesture set the tone for the day, reflecting Dr Stya Paul’s lasting influence on education and his unwavering vision for holistic student development.

In her poignant address, the Principal shared Dr Stya Paul’s educational philosophy and his remarkable contributions to education. She emphasised his guiding principles of striving for excellence while maintaining integrity and humanity. Dr Stya Paul’s vision of “Soaring High” was more than just a motto; it represented his belief in the limitless potential of students when grounded in values and ethics.

Furthering this theme, the Senior Prefect delivered an insightful talk on “Soaring High is My Nature.” The Prefect reflected on the profound significance of these words, inspiring the audience to pursue ambition responsibly and with strong ethical conduct.

A highlight of the event was the announcement of the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values. This award, presented to students from the middle, secondary, and senior secondary levels, recognised those who exemplified human values, integrity, and ethical behaviour. This accolade was a fitting tribute to the high standards set by Dr. Paul.

The assembly also featured a vibrant cultural performance, where students showcased their artistic talents through music and dance. The theme “Soaring High is My Nature” was woven into the performances, celebrating the ethos of the school and the enduring legacy of its founder.

The event concluded with the reading of a special message from  Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education. 

“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 105^th 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.”

In keeping with the school’s commitment to academic continuity, the entire celebration was seamlessly integrated into the regular assembly and enrichment period

Her words resonated deeply with the audience, emphasising the importance of upholding Dr Stya Paul’s values in academic and personal life. The message reaffirmed the commitment to excellence and human values that form the core of Apeejay’s mission. 

This balance of tribute and learning made for a meaningful Founder’s Day celebration, reinforcing the principles and legacy of Dr Stya Paul.