‘Seek a higher target to soar higher’

Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture & Planning (AITSAP) celebrated the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr Stya Paul, a beacon of inspiration behind the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, with great fervour. 

An eminent industrialist, educationist, freedom fighter and philanthropist, Dr Stya Paul’s life was a celebrated example of how we can overcome all odds to achieve our dreams. Narrating the life journey of the visionary Founder-Chairman, Prof. D. N.Bajpai, Executive Director at AIT-SAP, read out the message from Ms. Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education:  

“Dr Stya Paul’s birthday is our way of paying tribute to his determination, hard work and spirit of excellence that helped him rise from humble beginnings and overcome physical disabilities to become one of the most successful and respected men of this nation.

He had the valuable qualities of hard work, fearlessness and love for truth and these stood him in good stead as he pioneered the Apeejay Stya Group into an industrial conglomerate, and the Apeejay Education Society (which is a Social Commitment of the Group) into one of the most respected and successful educational organisations of India. Under him, 26 Apeejay institutions- schools, colleges and higher institutes – have come up and flowered to become symbols of excellence in their various disciplines, moulding the life and careers of all future generations.

Though Dr Stya Paul was a hard task-master, his punctuality, sense of discipline, dedication and focus made him an ideal role model of excellence for all those who worked with him.”

This was followed by a special cultural programme. Marking this glorious occasion, second-year students Vaishnavi and Priyanka sang his favourite bhajans and Ayushi, another second-year student, showcased a solo dance performance. The audience also witnessed a scintillating performance on casio by Kartik of second year. A mesmerising group dance was performed by Ayushi Mishra, Priyanka, Vashnavi, Ananya, Anjali, Ojasvi, Simmi and Stella.

For the first time, a new award category was created titled – ‘Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award’ – which was given to Siddharth Bathla of the 2008 batch. He shared  wonderful memories of his tenure at Apeejay and motivated the young students to set high goals for themselves. 

Further, meritorious students were awarded the prestigious and coveted Dr. Stya Paul Award for Human Values. This year, the recipient of this award was Shambhavi Mishra of final year, who was felicitated with a certificate and cash prize of Rs 10,000.

In the end, Prof Sabherwal shared with the new batch of students the importance of the Founder’s Day event. He emphasised that it is an event of great significance for all the students and staff and a moment to remember the great visionary Founder-Chairman. “Let each one of us pledge to be the falcons and personally seek a higher target to soar higher,” he concluded.