Lord Swraj Paul’s visit to this school was a legacy of learning

Apeejay School International (ASI), in Pancheel Park, recently had the privilege of hosting Lord Swraj Paul, a distinguished Member of the House of Lords and the sibling of the esteemed Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul. His visit marked a momentous occasion for the school community, characterised by deep respect, active engagement, and profound inspiration.

Born on February 18, 1931, in Jalandhar, Punjab, Lord Paul has had a remarkable academic journey, culminating in a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calcutta and a Chartered Accountancy qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. His significant contributions to British politics have earned him the distinguished title of The Rt Hon, Lord Paul.

The reverberations of Lord Paul’s visit to the school echoed long after his departure, underscoring his unwavering dedication to education and his relentless pursuit of catalysing positive transformations within communities.

Marked by homage-paying rituals and interactive sessions, Lord Paul’s presence left an indelible mark on the entire school community. He was given a warm welcome by the Principal, Mr Purshottam Dutt Vashist, alongside coordinators Ms Neha and Ms Shalini Fate; present on the occasion were other faculty members who also warmly welcomed him. Lord Paul was greeted with a ceremonial bouquet and a traditional tilak ceremony by the students. This visit was extremely momentous as this was the first time that Lord Paul visited the esteemed IB school under the Apeejay Education umbrella.

Eager to delve into the fabric of the IB school’s curriculum, Lord Paul eagerly perused the science exhibition meticulously prepared by the DP students, alongside an impressive showcase of artwork by the MYP students. Tejas Kapil, a DP-2 student, eloquently elucidated the multifaceted nature of language, unraveling its complexities across six distinct dimensions.

Nia Lobo and Anandita Bharadwaj, students of DP-1, delved into the realms of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Nia discussed the aspects of imagination, while Anandita provided profound insights into the evolving meanings of words within the Gen-Z lexicon. Engaging discussions continued as students explored the influence of celebrities through the lens of social media, offering poignant reflections on the dynamics of contemporary culture.

Reha, a DP-2 student all set to go to the University of Southampton, defied conventional stereotypes with her articulate exposition on visual arts, embodying the spirit of empowerment and academic prowess.

Lord Paul’s admiration for the students’ erudition was palpable, as he marveled at the depth of knowledge displayed by the IB cohort. Transitioning to the MYP students, their remarkable artistic prowess shone through, offering illuminating perspectives on the true colors of the Statue of Liberty, encapsulating the spirit of freedom and creativity.

The younger PYP students captivated Lord Paul’s attention with their forward-thinking approach, as they delved into the complexities of cybercrime, demonstrating a maturity beyond their years. Their aspirations and ambitions left Lord Paul pleasantly surprised, reaffirming his belief in the boundless potential of youth.

In a gesture of mentorship and encouragement, Lord Paul shared words of wisdom, emphasising the importance of perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of excellence. His insights resonated deeply with the students, inspiring them to strive for greatness in their academic and personal endeavors.

As the visit drew to a close, the MYP students presented Lord Paul with a token of appreciation — a vibrant Maa Durga painting crafted with acrylic hues on canvas. This heartfelt gesture encapsulated the profound gratitude and respect felt by the entire school community towards their distinguished guest.

“It was an absolute honour to welcome Lord Swraj Paul to Apeejay School International. His visit was inspiring and enriching for our students, who had the privilege of interacting with him. We are grateful for his valuable insights and encouragement, which will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our school community,” Mr Vashist said.