Identify your traits and explore them: IRS officer advises schoolchildren

‘One must start by doing something that’s necessary, soon they’ll do what’s possible; and suddenly what one does is what was once impossible.’ The quote highlights the importance of staying determined towards one’s targets that might seem unachievable in the first go.

Sharing the same spirit, Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg in Jalandhar commemorated its Annual Appreciation Day themed, ‘I’m Possible’. During the grand event, the school celebrated its yearly achievements.

The evening began with the Guard of Honour by the students. They welcomed the parents and guests to the function. On the occasion, Dr Dharmendar Punia, an officer in the Indian Revenue Services (IRS), Batch of 2012, was the Chief Guest. Dr Punia pursued an MBBS degree from Shri M P Shah Medical College in Jamnagar. Post that, he aced the Union Public Service Commission examinations and joined the IRS. In his tenure, he has worked as the Deputy Commissioner of Income tax in the Investigation and Assessment Charges in Surat. He is currently posted as the Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in Jalandhar. The school extended a green welcome to him at the Annual Day.

Followed by this, Dr Punia lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the beginning of the programme along with the school Principal, Mr. Girish Kumar and Vice-Principal, Mr. V.K. Khanna. The event was also graced by Mr Aditya Berlia, Co-promoter Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Co-founder and Pro-chancellor of Apeejay Stya University.

To charge the atmosphere with a divine aura, students performed an Invocation Dance seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. Through their performance, they showcased how one must understand their power to turn every impossibility into a possibility. Their graceful movements set the mood for the function.

At the show, Dr Punia and Mr Kumar awarded the students for their achievements. Addressing the gathering, Dr Punia said, “It has been about 20 years since my return to any school. Today, I feel speechless after witnessing the power-packed performances of the children. They are extremely motivated and talented. Their energy and enthusiasm is something we should learn from. The credit for their accomplishments also goes to their parents and teachers as they take special pains for them.”

Further, he advised students not to copy others. He said, “One should be themselves. Each child has unique potential. So, I suggest that you must identify your traits and explore them. It will make your life simple.”

Another mesmerising performance by the students was showcased soon after. Then, Mr Aditya Berlia shared his thoughts. He said, “I would like to extend a hearty welcome to Dr Punia for being our Chief Guest. His life-story is inspiring for our students. I am also very grateful to the parents present here today for partnering with us. Together, we have walked the students on the path of discovering themselves to turn into future leaders with great value and character.”

He added, “The school years are foundational for a student. And, most parents feel worried during this time since the core person one eventually becomes is formed here. I wish to emphasise upon the achievements of our scholars today. Their commitment to development and hard work is commendable. I hope year after year they learn, grow and develop.”

Mr Berlia also emphasised that the school’s curriculum is benchmarked to be the best from the world. Apeejay is now helping and supporting other schools in the Middle East, North America, and Europe to drive change. He said, “This is the testament to the hard work of teachers and parents. Today, we are in a position to impact the globe because we have always stood for values. Apeejay boasts of having 65000 alumni and I would like to mention that during the pandemic, all of them have not only achieved great heights but discovered the role of human values in facing difficult situations. So, my word to students is ‘education is your best friend.’ It will be with you throughout your life. But, like any best friend, you have to spend time with it. Soon, it will allow you to see the world and transform it.”

Shortly, Mr. Kumar read out the school’s annual report. He commended the efforts of the student achievers who made their mark across fields including academics and co-curriculars. He said, “Greetings to everyone! As I stand here today, my mind is filled with gratitude to the man who possessed relentless courage and positive attitude along with a strong will to fulfill his dreams. I am speaking of Dr Stya Paul, the person behind this institution. He is the late Founder-Chairman of Apeejay Education who laid the stone of this school. His vision till date guides all Apeejayites. He is a beacon of light who transformed this school from a seed to a gigantic tree. Dr Stya Paul left behind a legacy of excellence, and seeking inspiration from the same, in the school, we teach students the power of hope and hard work to overcome all the obstacles in life.”

He continued, “At present, sir’s legacy is carried forward by his only daughter Madam Sushma Paul Berlia, Co-promoter and President of Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Chairperson, Apeejay Education, and Chancellor Apeejay Stya University. She continues to take Apeejay to greater heights. On this momentous day, I am thankful to Dr Punia and Mr Aditya Berlia for joining us.”

This was followed by an address by the school’s Head Girl Khushi and Head Boy Siddharth Cheema. They presented the scholastic and co-scholastic achievements of the school emphasising upon its stellar CBSE results in the 2021-22 academic session. Other achievements by students included exceptional results in competitive exams, college placements, national-level championships and NCC activities, just to mention a few.

Mr Kumar further spoke about the value education programmes in the school that help fill the hearts of students with empathy and love. The institution has worked tirelessly and hosted thematic assemblies along with celebrating days of national and international importance. Other new initiatives of the school include in-house training sessions for teachers and learning-oriented workshops. The school’s spirit of excellence and brilliance in all its endeavours was displayed during the event.  

Students delivered a message of hope and collaboration through a glamourous ramp walk and enactment. They emphasised upon the idea that one has more power than one thinks. Young learners also celebrated the undeterred spirit of people in the wake of Covid-19.

The school then displayed a presentation based on the journey of Apeejay’s distinguished leaders. It motivated the students to strive for excellence. Through it, they learnt about the thoughts, ideas and environment that drive these visionaries. After the presentation, students from the primary wing put up a great show based on environmental degradation and regeneration. They encouraged citizens to work for the planet and celebrated the abundance of living beings on the Earth.

Concluding the day, the school’s Vice-Principal, Mr. Khanna delivered the Vote of Thanks. He said, “I acknowledge the contribution of all of those who made this day a success. I extend my thanks to Dr Punia for his presence and inspiring words. My whole-hearted gratitude to the school’s Principal and Apeejay management for their unconditional support. Our school’s staff, IT teams, creative department, parents, teachers and students have made this event possible with their spirit and hard work.”

Leaving the audiences in an uplifting mood, students presented a fusion dance borrowing from Gujarati, Rajasthani, Marathi and Punjabi cultures and tradition. They spread a message of secularism and inclusivity with their energetic movements. The evening finally concluded with the National Anthem.