On Annual Appreciation Day, Apeejay Nerul students pay tribute to women achievers through lively performances

Concluding the academic year on a note of celebration, Apeejay School, Nerul, held a virtual Annual Appreciation Day titled ‘Colofalco’ to celebrate students’ achievements for the year 2021-22. Dr RG Meena, Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner, Central, New Delhi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr Sandeep Sangave, Deputy Director, School Education, Mumbai, was the esteemed Guest of Honour. Mr Aditya Berlia, co-founder, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and pro-chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, presided over the function.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Meena said, “It is a great privilege for me to be with you today. I have been closely associated with educational institutions like Apeejay during my tenure in Mumbai. Those students who are part of Apeejay are privileged. Both my children were students of Apeejay School, Nerul. As a parent and a governing body member, I had the opportunity to meet Dr Stya Paul ji, who was a visionary. It was his vision that is now being carried forward by Mrs Sushma Berlia ma’am. Apeejay has made a great contribution to society by imparting education…

“The growth of a child is dependent on his or her early years of education. A child, who is groomed not only in education but in other aspects also, will be a successful person. Children usually have to bear peer pressure when it comes to making decisions regarding higher education. I would advise parents to sit with the child, assess them and then take decisions. At Apeejay, all our children are safe, and they will shine in whatever field they finally choose. The culture, ethics, teachers, etc all contribute to the growth of the students. I wish Apeejay all the best to progress further.”

Extending a warm welcome to all present at the event and congratulating students for their exceptional achievements, Mr Berlia remarked, “I wish I was there in person on this joyous occasion. At the beginning of Covid, we were able to move to a 100 per cent virtual timetable and fulfill all of our examinations. This was only possible with the extreme hard work of the parents, teachers, students, and staff who went above and beyond to create and strong and supportive community…This is a validation of our investments made in technology, cloud computing, and our faculty development. We were the first to make programming mandatory in India nearly a decade ago. It is the heritage that has allowed us to move from strength to strength…It was not easy; I think we all made a lot of mistakes but as things progressed, we all came together. “

“My grandfather Dr Stya Paul has always credited any achievement as a journey of all those who walked together. I feel immense pride that we have all walked together to soar to greater heights. We hope and expect to take many of our learnings and use them in our day-to-day teaching and administration. We asked our 65,000 alumni about the one thing that Apeejay helped you accomplish. Their answers were the same–value and character. Brick by brick, those who came before you and the ones who are there now, you will build this institution. We have survived and thrived because of our strong foundation and institutional values. We often say people come and go but institutions persevere.”

He also thanked parents separately for their trust and support. “Each and every day, you send your precious scholar to us and put your trust in us. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed, and I can assure you no matter what, we will always aspire to do better.”

Students of Apeejay Nerul showcased their talent in dance, music, and drama through performances dedicated to the strength and contributions of women. Through vibrant cultural presentations, they paid tribute to women achievers, leaders, and agents of change. The students also presented a special play based on the life and contributions of Rani Laxmibai.

“Apeejay Education has completed more than 50 years of excellence. In these years, it has transformed the lives of thousands of students by providing value-based and holistic education. Apeejay School Nerul has completed 34 years and traversed the path of excellence by setting new benchmarks and milestones of higher standards,” said Rakesh Joshi, regional director, academics. “Dr Stya Paul Ji was a true karma yogi and an epitome of care and affection…Madam Berlia has made outstanding contribution in the field of education industry and has been a guiding force for the Apeejay journey. We at Apeejay School Nerul reiterate our commitment to continue the glorious legacy of this great seat of learning by providing the education leading to man-making and nation-building.”

The school’s annual report highlighted students’ achievements in scholastic and non-scholastic fields. From board examinations to competitive exams like National Talent Search Exam Scholarship, Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Award, Spell Bee International Competition, among others, many students won laurels in the past year. Some of them also received awards at national-level co-curricular competitions. Besides, the school regularly held value education programmes and sensitisation programmes on adolescent issues, among several other enriching initiatives.