Leadership isn’t taught; it is handed over here

The investiture ceremony marks the formal appointment of student leaders, instilling a sense of responsibility, pride, and commitment. It plays an important role in nurturing leadership, discipline, and accountability, encouraging students to take initiative, uphold school values, and grow into confident individuals who lead with integrity. Keeping this in mind, Apeejay School Noida held its Investiture Ceremony (senior, middle and preparatory classes) for 2026-27.

The event was graced by the presence of the esteemed Colonel VN Thapar and Mrs Tripta Thapar as the chief guests. They were given a ceremonial welcome by the school band. Also present were the school Principal, Dr Neha Sharma, Vice-principals Mrs Amrita Hajela and Mrs Puneeta Bhasin. The event was also attended by parents, grandparents, teachers and students.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome by the student anchors, setting the tone for a day dedicated to responsibility and leadership.

The ceremony then moved to the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, led by the chief guests along with the Principal and Vice-principals, symbolising the guiding light of knowledge and integrity. Colonel Thapar was accorded a green welcome by Dr Sharma, symbolising respect, gratitude, and the school’s commitment to growth, harmony, and a sustainable future.

Welcoming the chief guests, Dr Neha Sharma said, “I feel truly honoured to have with us Col Thapar. It is a proud moment for our young leaders, who will help shape a better future. Leadership is not about being perfect but about learning through mistakes. As parents and educators, we must allow children the space to grow, falter, and discover their potential. I am confident that each student taking the oath during this ceremony will carry out their responsibilities with sincerity and commitment.”

It was then time to confer the badges to the newly appointed council members of the senior school, including head boy Abeer Bordoloi, head girl Annika Tikkha, vice-head girl Eva Negi, and vice-head boy Aarush Bansal, along with other student leaders across committees, houses, ambassadorial roles, and YANA leaders. Col Thapar, along with the school Principal were called onto the stage to pin the badges. Each student stepped forward with pride, ready to serve the school community. The house wardens presented the flags to the house captains.

Taking the stage, Col Thapar said, “It is always a privilege to interact with young minds, whose energy and curiosity are unmatched. I would like to share a simple but important thought on leadership. In my experience, leadership rests on three essential qualities: Courage, character, and competence. Courage gives you the strength to take decisions, even when you are unsure. Character defines who you are and builds trust. Competence ensures that you have the knowledge and ability to guide others effectively. Without these, leadership cannot sustain itself.”

He had advice for the students. “I would say this is the most important phase of your life. Make the most of it. Do not carry unnecessary stress, but focus on building skills and working hard, because there is no substitute for effort. Never limit yourself by thinking something is impossible,” Col Thapar shared.

He urged the parents to spend time with their children and create an environment where they feel valued and supported. “Together, you play a crucial role in shaping their future,” he said.

Taking the centre stage, the head girl shared, “I feel truly honoured and thankful to accept this role as head girl. I extend my gratitude to our chief guest and the school leadership for their faith and encouragement. I am equally thankful to our teachers and parents, whose guidance has been a constant source of strength. To my fellow students, I encourage you to stay involved and contribute with enthusiasm. I promise to uphold the values of our school, lead with sincerity, and work towards building a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.”

The head boy said, “I feel deeply grateful and honoured to accept this responsibility as head boy. I thank our chief guest for the inspiring words and extend my sincere gratitude to the school leadership, teachers, and parents for their constant support and trust. Their guidance has shaped me into who I am today. To my fellow students, I encourage all of you to participate actively and work together. I promise to serve with integrity, fairness, and commitment and to help create an environment where every student feels valued and motivated to do their best.”

It was then time for the investiture ceremony for the middle school. The ceremony reflected the spirit of responsibility and excellence among students. Col Thapar was called upon the stage to pin the badges to the newly appointed council members, including head boy Aaryash Deep Sinha and head girl Aishi Dutta Choudhury, along with vice-head boy Vedant Verma and vice-head girl Samridhi Jain.

Following the induction, the head boy of the middle department addressed the gathering. “Being chosen as the head boy of our middle school is not just an honour but a great responsibility that I deeply value. I see this role as a commitment to serve, lead, and represent our school with sincerity and dedication. I promise to lead with honesty and respect, and I will give my best to make our middle school stronger, happier, and more united. I know I cannot do this alone, and I seek your support as we move forward together, believing that rising higher is in our nature,” the head boy of the middle school said.

The head girl was truly humbled to be chosen as the head girl of the middle school. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and see this role as a responsibility to serve with sincerity. I believe leadership is not just a position but the wisdom to know when to lead, when to follow, and when to work together. I promise to guide when needed, step back when others should shine, and walk alongside everyone when we work as one. I will strive to be a voice for students and work towards building trust through my actions. Thank you,” she shared.

The investiture ceremony for the primary department reflected the school’s commitment to nurturing leadership from an early age. Present for the ceremony were the school Principal, Vice-Principal, and Foundational In-charge, Ms Kavita Luthra. Mrs Thapar was called upon the stage to do the honours of conferring badges to the newly appointed young leaders, including head boy Ansh Sharma and head girl Reannah Kala Manoj, who were entrusted with responsibilities to lead with sincerity and pride.

The moment symbolised the school’s faith in its students and their ability to grow into responsible individuals. As badges were conferred and flags presented, the young leaders stepped forward with enthusiasm, ready to uphold the values and traditions of the school.

Taking the stage, the head girl of the primary department said, “Respected chief guests, teachers, parents and my dear friends, it is a great honour to be selected as the head girl of my school. I sincerely thank the school and my teachers for believing in me and considering me worthy of the Prefectorial Board of 2026-27. I would like to thank God, my parents, and grandparents for their constant support and showing confidence in me. Last but not least, I would like to thank the Indian Army unit which my father commands. Growing up around the unit has taught me that failure is never the end. You fall, you rise, you learn, and you move forward even stronger than before. My fellow peers, I don’t stand here as one student; I stand here as a voice for all of us. I look to growing and learning together. As Martin Luther Jr said, ‘The time is always right to do what is right’. Thank you.”

The head boy shared, “Respected Principal ma’am, teachers, parents and my dear friends, I am extremely honoured and grateful to be selected as the head boy of the primary department. I thank everyone for believing in me. As the saying goes, ‘Leadership is not about being the best; it is about making everyone else better’. I truly believe that teamwork, kindness and unity are what make us stronger. I promise to carry out my responsibilities with honesty, discipline, confidence and dedication.”

The newly inducted students then took the pledge that was administered by the school Principal. “I, (name), do swear in the name of God that I will faithfully execute the duties as a member of the School Prefectorial Board of Apeejay School, Noida. I pledge to preserve, protect, and defend the rules and regulations of this school to the best of my ability, and I will uphold the dignity and honour of my school. Jai Hind!”

Overall, the ceremony celebrated the spirit of leadership across all sections of the school. It reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing responsible, confident individuals ready to lead with integrity. The event left the audience inspired and hopeful for the future shaped by these young leaders.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the school song: Hum Apeejay Bacche Ke…