Leadership, service, and vision shine at the Composite Installation of Interact Clubs 2025 

The atmosphere brimmed with enthusiasm and anticipation as students and teachers assembled to witness one of the most momentous occasions of the academic year — the Leadership, service, and vision shine at the Composite Installation of Interact Clubs 2025  organised under the esteemed aegis of the Rotary Club, upholding its noble vision of Service Above Self.

Apeejay School, Noida, had the distinct honour of hosting this prestigious event, graciously welcoming spirited participants from its sister institutes — Apeejay School, Pitampura, Apeejay School, Saket, and Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad (Sector 21-D).

The ceremony marked a significant milestone as the symbolic passing of the baton took place, signifying the seamless continuity of leadership and the entrustment of responsibility to the young Interactors. It celebrated not just the investiture of office-bearers but also the collective commitment of these dynamic students to uphold the Rotary ethos of service, integrity, and community leadership.

The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries from the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier, whose presence added immense prestige to the occasion. Among them were Rtn Uday Chawla, President; Dr Sonia Lal Gupta, Director; Rtn Sudhanshu Pachisia, Director; Rtn Pawandeep Kataria, Director; Rtn Sanskriti Nath, Sergeant-at-Arms; and Rtn Atul Dua, Club Trainer.

Further enhancing the significance of the ceremony was the esteemed presence of Dr Neha Berlia, Chair, Interact, Rotary Club of Delhi Premier, Co-Family Business Owner and Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University. Her visionary leadership and steadfast commitment have been instrumental in nurturing the Interact Clubs and advancing the Rotary ethos of service, integrity, and social responsibility.

The ceremony was further honoured by the presence of Mr NN Nayyar, Senior Education Officer, Apeejay Education, along with the Principals from the Apeejay Schools: Ms Veena Goel, Principal, Apeejay School, Pitampura; Dr Sujeet Eric Masih, Principal, Apeejay School, Saket; Ms Purnima Vohra, Officiating Principal, Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad, Sector 21-D; and the host Principal, Dr Neha Sharma, Apeejay School, Noida.

The proceedings commenced with a reverent gesture as Dr Neha Berlia placed a tilak on the photograph of Dr Stya Paul, Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, paying homage to his enduring vision and legacy. Following this, a warm green welcome was extended to Rtn Chawla by Dr Berlia, symbolising growth, harmony, and sustainability. The distinguished guests were also accorded a ceremonial welcome by the school band, whose spirited and harmonious performance set a vibrant tone for the day’s proceedings.

The ceremony continued with the ceremonial lighting of the diya, invoking blessings of wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity. A serene spiritual aura enveloped the auditorium as young performers presented a graceful classical dance in reverence to Lord Ganesh, setting a dignified and auspicious tone for the day’s celebrations. The solemnity of the moment deepened as the school choir led the gathering in singing the National Anthem, filling the hall with pride and reverence.

At the outset, Dr Neha Sharma, Principal of Apeejay School, Noida, extended a gracious and heartfelt welcome to all the dignitaries, expressing deep appreciation for their esteemed presence. She also paid glowing tribute to the remarkable accomplishments, multifaceted personality, and inspiring leadership of Dr Neha Berlia, whose visionary contributions continue to transform the educational landscape and empower future leaders.

Taking the stage to address the gathering, Rtn Chawla delivered an insightful and inspiring address. He underscored the pivotal importance of nurturing leadership skills among the youth, observing that leaders are not born but shaped through their experiences, values, and resilience. Drawing inspiration from Rotary’s enduring motto — Unite for Good, he highlighted the power of collective action in building a compassionate, inclusive, and service-driven society, encouraging young Interactors to lead with purpose and empathy.

This was followed by an inspiring address by Rtn Dr Neha Berlia, who started by introducing and acknowledging the distinguished leadership of President Rtn. Uday Chawla, Managing Partner of TRANSEARCH India and a Member of the Global Executive Committee of TRANSEARCH International.

In her thoughtful speech, Dr Berlia underscored the importance of human values “as an integral part of the Apeejay Education family.” She beautifully wove in the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, emphasising, “Selflessness, compassion, and inner strength are timeless pillars guiding and inspiring generations of Apeejayites.”

Dr Neha Berlia also spoke about the range of impactful environmental programmes initiated by the Interact Clubs. Expressing her gratitude, she extended heartfelt thanks to all the sister school Principals for their support in organising the august gathering and mentoring students throughout the term. In her concluding words, she invoked the eternal wisdom of Swami Vivekananda, affirming: “The more we come out and do good to others, the more our hearts will be purified, and God will be in them.” With this profound message, she urged everyone present to walk the noble path of selfless service and compassion, making a meaningful difference to the world.

The ceremony progressed with an aura of harmony and togetherness as the students presented a soulful group song, Aao Hum Sab Haath Milaye… Dil Se Dil Tak Raah Banaye…. The melodious rendition beautifully captured the values of unity, empathy, and collaboration — ideals that lie at the very heart of the Interact Club’s vision.

Following this, the audience was captivated by a thought-provoking nukkad natak, a street playthat powerfully highlighted the critical yet often-overlooked issue of mental health, urging collective awareness and sensitivity towards emotional well-being.

Adding a vibrant splash of folk artistry, students next delivered an exuberant Kalbelia dance performance, a celebrated traditional Rajasthani art form, infusing the event with colour, rhythm, and cultural pride.

The highlight of the day arrived with the solemn installation ceremony of the newly appointed Interact Club teams. A moment of pride and continuity, the stage witnessed the ceremonial exchange of Presidential collars between the outgoing and incoming Presidents — a symbolic gesture of seamless leadership transition. Presiding over the proceedings, Rtn Chawla administered the Oath of Office to the newly inducted office-bearers, inspiring them to lead with integrity, responsibility, and service.

The newly installed Presidents of the Interact Clubs took to the stage to present their Action Plans for the upcoming session 2025–26, outlining initiatives aimed at fostering service, leadership, and community engagement.

In a symbolic and heartfelt moment, the outgoing Presidents of the sister Apeejay Schools — Lakshita Sachdeva (Apeejay School, Pitampura), Shreeya Kumar (Apeejay School, Saket), Advika Anil Thomas (Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad, Sector 21-D), and Varenya Sharma (Apeejay School, Noida) — formally handed over the baton of responsibility to the newly appointed leaders, marking the continuity of vision and values.

Sharing her aspirations, Shambhavi Vohra, the newly appointed President of the Interact Club at Apeejay School, Noida, expressed her vision for the year ahead, “I envision the club scaling greater heights while spearheading initiatives such as providing menstrual hygiene support to underprivileged girls and raising awareness on critical issues like sexual health.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Adam Bashneen, the new President of the Interact Club at Apeejay School, Saket, stated, “I aim to inspire fresh ideas and encourage collective creativity as a team, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation.”

Adding about her vision further, Rajdiya Srivastava, newly elected President of the Interact Club from Apeejay School, Pitampura, said, “As the president, I aim to grow the Interact Club by encouraging service and providing a platform to those who genuinely want to work for the betterment of society. The core areas I would like to focus on are fostering humanitarian values, as service isn’t just about providing materialistic support but also treating others with kindness to reconnect with humanity, along with organising donation drives and awareness campaigns as per what we have scheduled for this session.”

Next to share a similar insight, Agrini Jain, President, Interact Club from Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad, said, “As the new President, I envision the Interact Club growing through active youth involvement in various projects like blood donation camps, drives, meaningful service, and innovative ideas. I’d focus on education, environmental care, health awareness, and leadership development to create lasting community impact and inspire responsibility.”

Finally, the event culminated with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms Manjari Rattan, Interact Club In-charge of Apeejay School, Noida. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the dignitaries present for gracing this special occasion with their presence. The occasion truly reflects the spirit of Service above Self and the unity we all aspire to uphold. It has been an honour to host the remarkable installation ceremony of the new members of the Interact Club. As they step forward with commitment and enthusiasm, may their collective efforts lead us towards building a sustainable and compassionate society.”