‘Our son can pursue any profession he wants as long as he serves the nation’

For people who deal with numbers, it is always about correct information and records that are trustworthy. It was no different for Shailaja Shankar and her husband Shankar Balasubramanian who are both Chartered Accountants. Shailaja is also an honorary teacher on behalf of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

In an interview, Shailaja says that her son is lucky to be an Apeejayite and that it was sheer luck that got admission. “He beat the birthday cut-off by three days – his birthday is on December 28. In the advertisement that had come out last year in December, the date mentioned invited parents of kids who were born on and before December 31 to fill out the form,” she said.

Excerpts:

How did your son end up studying at Apeejay School in Nerul?

There is a rather interesting story behind this. Last year, due to the present pandemic, my son could not go to a play school/preschool. We knew that admissions for schools had got over in September. So we were looking for a preschool for our son, Chandrashekhar, who is now in senior KG. But then in December 2021, there was an advertisement that invited parents of kids who were born on and or before December 31. My husband and I were very excited because otherwise, he would have one year.

The school has been close to our hearts. We used to, as kids, watch quiz competitions where students of this school would always excel. So when our son was born, we were keen that he study in Apeejay only.

What tipped the balance in Apeejay’s favour?

Once we had filled out the form and went to see the school for the first time, we were blown away. The Nerul School reminded us of our school; the way schools were back then — no pomp and show. My husband had only one requirement – that the board be CBSE. I went to St Anthony’s Girls High School Chembur and my husband is from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre School. It was a CBSE school and hence his insistence on CBSE for our son. We consider ourselves lucky.

What makes Apeejay different from other schools in the area?

The most important thing is that this school goes by merit. The best part is that even if your child is not on the merit list, the teachers take it upon themselves to bring up the child to par — this includes handwriting, recitation, drawing, dancing, or sports to name just a few. Apeejay is thriving and making a name for itself in every field. At least, I can say this for my son; he participates in every activity that the school organises. Those not interested are encouraged to participate. This makes each child feel special. Even during the assembly, the kids are encouraged to recite shlokas or recite a poem. This charges these toddlers to do even better.

 Have you seen changes in your son?

There have been so many changes in him and all of them have been for the better. At three-and-a-half years he is in junior KG and was an introvert. Due to the present pandemic, he was not used to interacting with kids his age. So, for the first month or two, he was a quiet child. But after the summer vacation, in June, there was a sea change in him. There has been such a transformation in him. He is an extrovert now; loves to participate in every school activity. I would like to thank his teachers – Tanuja ma’am, Debali ma’am, Mrinalini ma’am (pre-primary coordinator), Ranjana ma’am, Chandrika ma’am, and now Maushmi ma’am for this good change in him.

Do you think that your son has become more disciplined?

Absolutely. Yes, the school pays a lot of emphasis on discipline and they are strict when it comes to enforcing it. We are very happy about this. This is because a person needs to be well-mannered when he/she steps out into the world.

What are the values that you want Chandrashekhar to learn at the school?

Parents have so many aspirations when their child is born. We just want our son to be a good human being. Wherever you go in life, and whatever you do in life, it is being humane that will take you places. For us, our country comes first. My husband always imbibes this in Chandrashekhar. He tells him that he can pursue whatever career he wants but he must also serve the country. It could but a doctor in the Armed Forces. We also encourage him to listen to patriotic songs.

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Apeejay has been close to our hearts. We used to, as kids, watch quiz competitions where students of this school would always excel. So when our son was born, we were keen that he study in this school only

–Shailaja Shankar, Chartered Accountant & Mother of Chandrashekhar (Junior KG)