‘I couldn’t have asked for a better school than this from God’

He passed out of Apeejay School, Faridabad in Sector 15 back in 1980. After a hiatus of four decades, this engineer turned educationist is now happily engaged with managing his schools. Meet Tanuj Chatrath. In a candid interview, this philanthropist shares about his times of yore and horse and buggy days.  

How does it feel to be back to your alma mater?

I am coming back to this school after 46 years and it feels like I am reliving my childhood again. The nostalgia here and the warmth is irreplaceable. A lot of memories have come back with the teachers, staff, and batch mates. It was lovely meeting all of them at this alumni meet here.

What do you do professionally?

I am an engineer by profession but I retired in 2019. And now I am into social work like imparting free education to poor backward class children. I run a school for them. Only last year we got huge recognition from the Haryana government, which is quite a feat for us. I can make all this possible only due to people like you and others in the society who believe in my cause and have a kind heart to contribute something back to society.

What does your typical day look like?

Every day of my life starts with gratitude and thanking God for giving me another day to make a positive difference. And then I begin my daily routine. Apart from the charitable school, I also run a private school up to class VIII. I look after the administration part of the school and the rest is handled by my wife. So a major chunk of our time goes into this. We also organise the distribution of winter clothes (blankets and sweaters) for underprivileged children.

How has the school changed over the years?

There is a big change. When I joined Apeejay way back in 1975, the school infrastructure was limited to only one small building. And 1977 onwards extra school building was constructed and more furniture was brought in. To tell you about the development, the school looks unrecognisable. During my days, there was no auditorium, no boundary wall, it was all barbed wire. I feel so good and happy to see the progress made by my school.

How has this institute shaped you?

Whatever I am today, I owe to this school and my gurus (teachers). Our principal sir was a hard taskmaster. He would not allow shorts as a uniform, nor any student was allowed to ride a scooter or any vehicle to reach school, every student was allowed to only come on a bicycle or use the school bus. So under that kind of discipline, have I lived my prime years of life. He was a true educationist for me.

Is there any aspiration and dream still left unfulfilled?

Professionally I have achieved the maximum for myself and I feel content now. I have ticked almost all the boxes of life’s goals so far. Family-wise, both my children are happily settled in life and I can rest assured in that aspect too. And now health-wise both I and my wife are doing fine and there are no complaints and regrets for anything.