Legacy of Light: Founder’s Day celebrations illuminate Apeejay Schools

In the heart of Apeejay Schools, emotions ran deep as the air filled with a sense of reverence and gratitude on October 4, 2023. Founder’s Day unfolded as a poignant tribute to the indomitable spirit of the school’s visionary late Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul. His legacy, a tapestry woven with threads of industry, education, freedom, and benevolence, continues to be a guiding light for all who walk the corridors of this institution.

His influence, akin to a benevolent guardian, has touched every corner of the Apeejay institutes, nurturing growth and young minds with wisdom. The day was not just an event; it was a celebration of a man whose ideals transcended time, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of being a part of this legacy.

As the ceremonies unfolded – across Apeejay Education, tears mingled with smiles, and hearts swelled with pride. Each candle lit, every petal offered, spoke volumes of the deep-seated respect and gratitude felt towards these luminaries. The strains of the bhajans, beloved by Dr Stya Paul, resonated in souls, forging an unbreakable connection between past, present, and future.

In the midst of these tributes, young voices, trembling with emotion and resolve, spoke of dreams, aspirations, and the courage to soar high. Skits, dances, and poems unfolded on the stage, carrying with them the weight of history and the promise of a brighter future. The air was charged with an electric energy, a palpable sense of being part of something larger, something extraordinary.

And then, in a moment of profound significance, the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values was presented. The recipients, faces glowing with pride, walked the stage, a testament to the enduring impact of a life lived with purpose and integrity. Their parents, eyes brimming with tears of joy, stood witness to their children’s achievements, knowing that they were part of a legacy that would shape not just individuals, but the very destiny of a nation.

These Founder’s Day celebrations were not just events on a calendar. They were emotional journeys, a collective honoring of lives lived with purpose, of ideals that continue to guide, and of a legacy that refuses to fade. They were moments that etch themselves into the very soul of the institution, reminding each member of the Apeejay family of the responsibility they carry – to uphold the values, the dreams, and the indomitable spirit of those who came before.

Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park illuminates in honour of the Founder-Chairman:

Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park in Delhi reverberated with an aura of reverence and gratitude on the auspicious occasion of Founder’s Day. The event commenced with a poignant moment of shraddhanjali, a solemn tribute where the Principal, along with teachers and students, came together to light candles, offer delicate flower petals, and drape garlands. These heartfelt gestures symbolised the profound respect and gratitude towards the Founder-Chairman, acknowledging the profound impact he has had on each member of our school community.

Following this poignant beginning, a soul-stirring bhajan permeated the air, setting a spiritual tone for the entire event. It was an invocation to the higher ideals and principles that the Founder-Chairman embodied in his unwavering dedication to education and societal progress. The eloquent addresses delivered by the Head Boy and Head Girl resonated with reflections on Dr Stya Paul’s enduring legacy. Their words encapsulated the values he instilled within the school community – a legacy of integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge.

The celebration reached its zenith with a captivating contemporary dance performance by our senior students. Through their graceful movements, they paid a fitting tribute to Sir’s cherished ideals. Student Saanvi’s heartfelt poem dedicated to Sir resonated deeply with all present, eloquently conveying our collective admiration and appreciation for his extraordinary contributions.

Taking the stage next, an educator, Chandrashekhar sir delivered a moving speech, wherein he extolled the values of a true Karmayogi, vividly illustrated by Sir. His words served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact one individual can have on an entire community.

The school choir enthralled the audience with their rendition of the semi-classical song “Aasman Me Unchi Udaan Hum Bharenge Hum Zaroor.” Their harmonious voices echoed the aspiration for soaring heights and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

The pinnacle of the celebration was the announcement of the Dr Stya Paul Human Value Awards, a prestigious recognition bestowed upon Parth Agarwal of 8B, Anishka Angrish of 10B, and Saima Bhalla of 12D. These exceptional students embody the cherished values exemplified by the Founder-Chairman. The event drew to a serene close, with the pre-primary students rendering “Ram Dhun,” creating an atmosphere filled with devotion and a sense of unity.

Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, Jalandhar: Commemorating Founder’s Day in Reverence

Apeejay School, Rama Mandi in Jalandhar came alive with a vibrant spirit as it celebrated Founder’s Day. The day commenced with a heartfelt ‘Vinamra Shradhanjali’—a floral tribute to the Founder-Chairman — paid by the Principal, vice-principal, parents, staff, and students alike. This poignant moment was followed by a soul-stirring rendition of Dr Stya Paul’s favorite bhajans.

Next, Simarpreet Kaur, a student from class XII (Commerce), delivered an inspiring thought, setting the tone for the event. Head Girl, Sukhmanjot Kaur Mattu, shared a profound speech on the theme ‘Soaring High is My Nature,’ noting the importance of ambition and perseverance. Head Boy, Raghav Gupta, then recited a thoughtful poem titled ‘Sapno Mein Rakh Aastha aur Karam Kiye Ja,’ underscoring the essence of nurturing dreams with faith and action.

Adding a dramatic touch to the celebration, students from class VII presented a skit centred around fundamental human values, captivating the audience with their artistic expressions. The crescendo of the event was a scintillating choreography performed by students from classes IV to VII, each act resonating with the resounding message of Dr Stya Paul Ji enshrined in the motto, “Soaring High is My Nature.”

This year’s distinguished recipients of Dr Stya Paul Awards for Human Values were Jasnoor Kaur (class VIII), Jasmeet Kaur Singh (class X) and Jasraj Kararia (XII – Medical). They were each honored with a cash prize of Rs 5000, Rs 7500, and Rs 10,000 respectively, in addition to a Merit Certificate and Dr Stya Paul Ji’s book ‘Reflections in Time.’ The proud parents of the awardees were also in attendance, adding to the significance of the moment.

Following this, Principal Mr AK Sharma emphasised upon the Founder-Chairman’s visionary ideals and encouraged the students to persevere in their endeavours, instilling a belief in themselves and their dreams.

The event culminated with vice-principal Mrs Aarti Shorey Bhat’s vote of thanks, where she extended her warm congratulations to the parents of the awardees for their benevolent presence. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Principal for his empowering leadership and extended her thanks to everyone involved in the seamless realisation of this special day.