Never undermine your potential. Think big and think beyond: Celebrated educationist tells students

In the seemingly simple act of flying a kite, one discovers a myriad of life lessons that extend far beyond the joyous experience of watching colours dance against the sky. Kite-flying imparts invaluable insights, serving as a metaphor for resilience, patience, and the delicate balance required to navigate life’s unpredictable winds. From the meticulous process of preparation to the unpredictable twists and turns in the air, kites become profound teachers, reminding us to embrace challenges, find stability in chaos, and soar to new heights with grace. In the gentle pull of the string and the dance of the kite, there lies a maze of wisdom waiting to be unravelled, offering a unique perspective on the journey of life itself.

Recently, Apeejay School, Pitampura held the Annual Appreciation Day, titled ‘Patang-e-Parwaaz’. The day two of the event witnessed the presence of Padmashri Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma (Vice Chancellor GGSIPU Chairman NABH) who was the Chief Guest along with Ms. Payal Ramchandani (Kuchipudi Dancer), the Guest of Honour. Both the guests were awarded a green welcome by the school principal, Ms. Veena Goel.

In attendance were esteemed alumni of the school, dedicated PTA members, Apeejay members, and distinguished guests alongside proud parents. The show began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising enlightenment and auspicious beginnings.

On the big day, Dr. Verma shared timeless wisdom with one and all. He said, “I am delighted to be part of the programme. Annual Days are an occasion to celebrate the academic achievements of students and more. So, I would like to begin by paying my respects to Dr Stya Paul, the indomitable spirit behind Apeejay Education and a great visionary. He started from humble beginnings and rose to extraordinary heights. Today, I am enthralled to see a galaxy of young parents here along with students who performed enthusiastically.”

He continued, “I am bowled over by the young minds and the worthy principal of the school who presented the stellar report. Without capability, endeavour and supportive leadership this mark wouldn’t have been possible. Usually, I am surrounded by adult students but currently I am here with young students; it is truly refreshing. It takes me down memory lane, I am in admiration of the infrastructure and facilities. Especially so because I hail from Himachal Pradesh where I studied in a school which had no building. We sat on the ground, under the trees. There were a couple of teachers in the school and we had no sports facilities other than gilli-danda. At present, I can see all that was missing in my school in one of the best schools of North Delhi. You (students) are lucky!”

“As a parent, I have made umpteen visits to Apeejay. I can say that every parent shares a supreme concern for their child that’s why they choose the school that’s strong in all arenas. Education plays an immense role in thought-process, motivation, friendship and much more. Today, we live in a world of networking and you build relationships right from school. I wish to congratulate each and every parent that they have made the right decision of sending their kid(s) to jump-start from the best.”

He further congratulated the school for its multiple accolades. At present, Apeejay is a network of values, systems and relationships, he said. He further commended the efforts of Apeejay Education for its commitment to education. “I feel the students’ potential is boundless. This is a historic time for the nation; India is a great success story for the whole world to see. You (youth) are going to be a part of it. Immense possibilities and opportunities lie ahead for you. You will be surprised what is in store for you. So, don’t undermine your potential. Think big and think beyond! Look for opportunities which don’t come knocking on your doors, find them and grab them. Remember, success requires self-confidence, curiosity and motivation.”

Next, in her address, Ms Ramchandani said, “I am grateful and overwhelmed to be here. Some of the quick lessons with one and all are: fearlessness. It is not about not having fears, it is about taking a plunge despite those fears. One has to weigh the pros and cons and take it pragmatically. The next is, never quitting on a bad day. Allow the day to pass; resilience is about powering through. Remember, the best decisions come from strength. The third is, it is okay. It is okay to fail, seek help and make wrong decisions. It is okay to accept weaknesses too. Lastly, practice empathy. It is a virtue that can bridge gaps. I hope to share with students that we are all work-in-progress. These lessons are a way to prepare you when you step outside of school. Apeejay is a remarkable place and continues to do a fabulous job of creating strong minds. Congratulations everyone and all the very best!”

Following this, Ms. Goel took the stage to present the school’s annual report. The subsequent musical extravaganza featured the enchanting melodies produced by talented children, resonating with a vibrant and meaningful message.

The stage then burst into life with dynamic performances centering around the theme ‘Patang-e-Parwaaz.’ Creatively depicting the lessons gleaned from kites soaring in the sky, these acts symbolised flexibility and the ability to rise above challenges. A captivating play, inspired by Khaled Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner, eloquently portrayed the importance of reconciling with the past for a harmonious present.

The grand finale, set to the inspiring tune of ‘Tu Shaheen Hai, Parwaaz Hai Kaam Tera,’ showcased the unwavering commitment of the students and brought the day to a triumphant close.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Renuka Kanwal, the vice-principal of the school, delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, expressing sincere gratitude to the guests, parents, educators, and students for their gracious presence, culminating in the Annual Appreciation Day being a memorable success.