‘I have so many memories of my school; difficult to pick one’

Nikhil Arora, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Pitampura has come to a full circle. His daughter, Inaaya, is now in Nursery at Apeejay School, Pitampura. The proud father is happy that his daughter is beginning her educational foundation from the very same school where he started way back in 1993-94.

“I passed out of the school in 2007 and I only have fond memories of the school. I also remember that I was a naughty child and always got into trouble. But the teachers, especially the vice-principal, Alka Kshatriya ma’am, were so calm and patient with me. So when it came to the admission of my Inaaya, I was keen that she studies here,” Arora said.

In a straightforward and impartial interview, the businessman based out of Delhi talks about his school days and why one must always be honest in one’s dealings.

You are a businessman. Tell us about that.

It is a family business with a manufacturing unit based in Rajasthan. The actual shop is here in Delhi, Chandni Chowk. We are into manufacturing clothing items for women. My work involves a lot of touring; in fact, I am more involved in looking after the factory. Before the pandemic hit, I would be away for even 10-15 days at a stretch. But now, it is three-four days. I have to go see how things are moving and pay salaries to the workers among other things.

You went to Apeejay School, Pitampura. Can you share some memories?

There have been so many memories, not just one. All my teachers were great as well. I fondly remember our school vice-principal Alka Kshatriya ma’am. Whenever the teachers had a complaint against me, I was very naughty and got into trouble all the time, she would hear all of us very patiently and tell me that I must accept my mistake and move ahead. In Nursery I was taught by Alavia ma’am; in class X, I was taught by UR Chauhan sir. Both the teachers were wonderful and shaped me into the person that I am today.

Was business your calling?

Yes definitely. That is why I took Commerce in class XI and graduated with a Commerce degree from the University of Delhi. There is something so alluring about being your own master and making pots of money.

“The best part of this school is the emphasis it lays on discipline. It was there when I joined and it continues. Another focus of the school has been on academics”

-Nikhil Arora, Alumnus of Apeejay School, Pitampura 

How did you cope during COVID-19, with all work shut including factories that didn’t come under essential services?

It was tough. But we Indians, believe in saving for the rainy day. We always keep aside a part of whatever we earn – profit or from salary – to deal with such unexpected calamities. As businessmen, we invest in properties as well and earn rent from that as well which adds to the kitty. But sadly, during COVID-19, the rent dried up. We helped whomever we could and didn’t take rent from them. We managed to live frugally and got by.

So many of my payments vanished. Whom do you go to collect the money, those people are no longer on Earth.

What has been your learning curve from all this?

We have learnt that one must work hard and put in a lot more effort to make up for all the lost hours and business. I am out for more than 12 hours a day. I travel back and forth to Rajasthan. I have workers who are dependent on me for their salary. I need to catch up with all the time that has been lost.

What are some of the changes that you have seen in Apeejay since you were there?

The beginning of Apeejay School, Pitampura dates back to somewhere in 1990. When I took admission, I think my batch was the third. There was a lot of construction still happening back then. But now, the building stands tall. The grounds are well-maintained. It is good to see that my school has only grown in stature. The best part of this school is the emphasis it lays on discipline. It was there when I joined and it continues. Another focus of the school has been on academics. I hear some parents complain that there is too much academic pressure on their kids. I believe that if you don’t force a child to study he/she won’t. If you want your kid to do well in life, academics must be a strong point of the school.