‘It is important for every child to learn discipline’

A resident of Ashok Vihar in Delhi, Richa Aggarwal had filled up nearly 25 school admission application forms when it was time for her daughter, Taliyah Saraswat, to start schooling. Taliyah is now studying at Apeejay School, Pitampura in Nursery C. Her husband, Rahul Saraswat, Deputy Manager (Liaison) with Wapcos Ltd (Government India undertaking) Ministry of Jal Shakti and she were very clear what they were looking for in the perfect school for their daughter.

“While my daughter made it to the list of 13-15 schools we chose Apeejay because it is one of the best schools in North Delhi. What I love about this school is that they have an equal focus on academics and co-curricular activities,” Aggarwal said.

In a frank and open interview, this homemaker talks about how her daughter loves her teacher so much that she doesn’t want to go to the next class if it means Monica Bisht ma’am won’t be there to teach her.

Excerpts:

How and why did you choose Apeejay School, Pitampura?

Yes, Delhi has several great schools. So when it came to getting Taliyah admitted, my husband and I did a lot of research but we still filled out forms in 20-25 schools. The good part was that she made it to the list in almost 15 schools. But we chose Apeejay because it is one of the best schools in North Delhi; there is a brand value attached to it. I was well aware of their teaching methodology and that they pay equal importance to extracurricular activities.

What finally tipped the balance in favour of this school is that they pay a lot of emphasis on disciplining the students. I have seen students from other schools and seen how undisciplined they are. This is not something that I want for my daughter.

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We chose Apeejay because it is one of the best schools in North Delhi; there is a brand value attached to it. I was well aware of their teaching methodology and they pay equal importance to extracurricular activities

–Richa Aggarwal, Homemaker & parent of Taliyah  Saraswat 

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How easy was the admission process?

It was rather easy. It was part online and part offline. We filled out the form online and uploaded other documents required. The interview was online due to COVID-19 but some parents had even gone to school to check out the infrastructure and the premises. I too had gone to school with my daughter. I was surprised to see that despite the pandemic, the compound was clean and maintained.

How have the teachers helped your daughter?

They have been extremely helpful. Taliyah loves her teacher Bisht ma’am. Next year, my daughter will be in KG but she said she will only go to the next class if Bisht ma’am is there to teach her. That is the impact teachers have on students in this school.

The best part about Bisht ma’am is that even though there are 50 students in her class she knows everything there is to know about each one of them. I have met her thrice, at Parent Teacher Meetings, and her insight and knowledge about each child are amazing. It means that she is not partial to a select few.

How is Taliyah faring in school today?

She had become extremely independent. She is doing things on her own. She gets dressed on her own and doesn’t need help while she is eating food. She even manages to complete her schoolwork on her own.

Would you recommend Apeejay to other parents?

Definitely. I have already recommended the school to a parent. Each parent is looking for a school that has a good academic track record and offers opportunities for students to explore their talent through extracurricular activities. Gone are the days when getting 100 per cent was all that mattered. Today, the child needs to have holistic development.

A lesson you want your daughter to learn.

I want her to learn the importance of discipline in life. I want her to explore new things but also keep herself grounded. This is not something that only my daughter should imbibe; every kid must be indoctrinated to know how to behave properly.

The difference between a disciplined and an undisciplined person is that a disciplined person will always act in a manner where he/she is responsible. Being responsible will take you places in life – in your professional as well as personal life.