Honouring the visionary leader, Dr Stya Paul, on his 105th birth anniversary

To honour the 105th birth anniversary of Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul, Apeejay School, Nerul, wore a festive look on October 4, 2024. With grandeur and dignity, the celebration reflected the ideological legacy continued by the school toward the implementation of values and education philosophies as guided by Dr Stya Paul.

The event began with a soulful prayer, Vishwapati ke Dhyan mein, a benediction of the Almighty and set a serene tone for the solemn ceremony. The audience was comprised of students, teachers, and esteemed guests who sat through a moment of deeper spirituality and contemplation. The day then proceeded with a floral tribute to the beloved Founder-Chairman amidst bhajans that filled the air of the hall with reverence and respect.

Inspirational and Reflective Messages

Principal, Mr P Subhash read out a message by 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 seven 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).

The Vice-principal Ms Preety Gupta took the podium to give an account of the life, struggles, and achievements of Dr Stya Paul. She portrayed the epitome of his commitment to education and humanity, creating a poignant impression upon all those present there.

Students Uphold the Vision of the Founder

The Head Girl, Srita Chatterjee, delivered a speech that inspired everyone present with the values and ideals that were introduced by Dr Stya Paul and have been carried forward by the school. She called upon the students to uphold these values and carry forward Dr Stya Paul’s legacy through academic excellence and personal excellence.

This was followed by the award ceremony. Awards were given for ATSE and the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values.

The students then took the stage to mesmerize everyone with a few cultural performances. The colourful welcome dance, Shubh Din Ayore, by the pre-primary students managed to hold the entire audience spellbound, the choric item dance choreographed beautifully to symbolise new beginnings and joy was the highlight of the day presented by the primary students. It depicted the theme of woman empowerment and Dr Stya Paul’s ideals.

The function ended with a hearty vote of thanks taking into consideration the efforts of students and teachers as well as the organizing committee for their endeavour. It was a day filled with pride, gratitude, and above all inspiration, for the entire school community that came together to celebrate a visionary leader who set milestones for generations to follow.

Overall, the Founder’s Day at Apeejay School, Nerul reinforced the endeavour of the institute towards excellence and a tribute from the present generation to the very values that the Founder-Chairman cherished.