Harmonious symphony of culture and triumph depicting the evergreen Adbhut Bharat

In the enchanting ambiance of the open air, the stage stood poised, capturing the collective anticipation of the eager audience. A hushed excitement permeated the atmosphere, and all present held their breath in bated anticipation, their hearts pulsating with the promise of imminent celebrations about to unfurl.

The awaited moment arrived as the resounding trumpet heralded the commencement of the much-anticipated Annual Appreciation Day at Apeejay Svran Global School in Faridabad, Sector 21-D, immersed in the enchanting theme of — Adbhut Bharat — a dazzling celebration unraveling the glorious and vibrant tapestry of India.

The ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, adding a touch of eminence to the occasion. Shri Shreshth Tayal, Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, attended the event as the chief guest. The guest of honour was none other than Pandit Shailendra Mishra, a celebrated tabla player of All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan. The presence of principals from other Apeejay sister schools and Education officers Ms Anita Paul and Ms Poornima Vohra further enriched the event. Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter of Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, who was supposed to attend the event could not be present due to last-minute urgent work.

The Principal, Ms Priti Wason, welcomed the esteemed guests with a green gesture setting the tone for an evening of vibrancy and cultural splendour. The inauguration commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a symbol of enlightenment and auspicious beginnings, by the chief guest and the guest of honour.

The chief guest addressed the gathering by citing some major and useful insights. “First of all, I would like to thank Priti ma’am, Malvika ma’am, and the rest of the school management for giving me this opportunity to attend this event. I feel a little nostalgic recalling my days at school when I would participate in Annual Day and my parents would sit in the audience. I think everyone has a dream to visit such events as a chief guest and this is like a dream come true. I would like to thank the school management for making it come true for me,” Tayal expressed.

“I am usually asked to share a few things that would help other students to achieve success in different fields. One thing I would like to share is the benefit of time management; it means that we don’t waste time on irrelevant things and use it productively. But I have a different perspective on it. I believe time management is about knowing the right thing to do at a particular point in time and having the discipline to do that. I can put it differently as well,” Tayal said.

Every student, he said, should try to develop two sides to his personality. There should be one very nerdy side, which values studies or whatever field he is interested in, and gives it more importance than anything else. The other side is more relaxed, more social, and values relationships with friends and family.

“All the students should try and develop the wisdom to know which of the two sides of the personality should be switched on at a particular time. I was able to do that and follow this up till now. I recall when I was in class X, the Board exams were like a month away and I had a TV in my room and I got addicted to watching a particular TV show. When I realised the exams were only a month away, I took the TV remote and threw it over the almirah, and only on the last day of my exam, I retrieved the remote. I had this discipline of punishing myself,” Tayal narrated.

He also talked about the importance of class X and XI exams. Though they may not directly impact your career, these exams help build your self-confidence. You need to dream bigger for the later years of your life. “I don’t think I could have scored well in the civil services exam if I hadn’t done well in my class X exams. The last thing I would like to say is for the teachers and that is Thank You. I got a chance to interact with a few teachers and I felt that the students now aren’t as respectful towards the teachers as they were in earlier days. Regardless of this, I would like to say that whenever a student achieves something in his/her life, he/she knows it would not have been possible without the teachers,” Tayal said.

Ms Wason shared her immense joy by expressing her joy and reverence around the spirit of the event. “I feel privileged to be a part of Apeejay Education which is an extremely vibrant organization, playing a highly proactive and positive role in the narrative of nation-building by quality and value-based education. Our motto: Soaring High Is My Nature enshrines the belief that true education inculcates constant pursuit of the strength of human values.

Apeejay Education has a legacy of more than five decades of providing education built on human values, and holistic education. “We salute our visionary Founder-Chairman Dr Stya Paul who laid the foundation stone with this firm belief, that the mission of education is man-making and nation-building. He was a dynamic personality, industrialist, educationist, philanthropist, philosopher, freedom fighter, a pioneering entrepreneur with a far-sighted vision of the future. During his long and illustrious career, Dr Stya Paul was actively associated with several social, cultural, and Professional bodies and held responsible positions reflecting his strong leadership,” Ms Wason said.

Dr Stya Paul’s legacy is being carried forward by his dynamic, visionary, and only daughter Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education, and Chancellor Apeejay Stya University. “Madam Berlia is passionate about education and is continuously bringing reforms in education to empower students to face the challenges in the global educational field. Under her dynamic leadership, the numerous awards that have been earned by Apeejay Education have given us a distinct place in the education world. She has been personally felicitated with many prestigious awards. It is our privilege to be guided in our endeavours by such an iconic leader who motivates us with her example to hallmark our efforts with commitment, sincerity, and perseverance. I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Nishant Berlia, Co-Promoter Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University,” Ms Wason said and added her heartfelt gratitude to Mr Aditya  Berlia, Co-Promoter of Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University.

Students performing at the Annual Appreciation Day

“It is truly a day to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr Neha Berlia for her guidance, support, and her valuable input for the smooth functioning of the school. She has been conferred with the “Education Visionary Award 2023” by the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India for strengthening the social fabric with values and ethics-based education along with life skills,” Ms Wason said.

The speeches were followed by an enchanting orchestral performance that resonated with the audience. A divine prayer dance followed, setting a spiritual ambiance for the evening. The students, true to the cultural ethos of India, presented a kaleidoscope of rhythmic songs, dances, and drama. The rendition of the epic The Ramayan by the students not only showcased their artistic prowess but also symbolized the triumph of truth over sin.

In line with the school’s commitment to environmental awareness, the students delivered impactful dance performances that conveyed the urgent message of environmental protection. Through their artistic expressions, the students demonstrated a keen sense of responsibility towards the planet.

The chief guest took the stage to felicitate the winners across various fields, acknowledging and applauding their dedication and excellence. The program culminated with a grand finale performance that left the audience elated, their hearts brimming with joy and exuberance.

In her vote of thanks, Ms Wason said: “Last but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you to every one of you in the audience. Your presence has turned this event into a vibrant array of diverse perspectives and shared joy. As we conclude this day, let us carry forward the spirit of camaraderie, inspiration, and gratitude that has defined today. May the memories we’ve created together linger in our hearts, and may we continue to collaborate and celebrate in the days to come. Thank you once again, and we look forward to many more moments of shared success and joy.”