‘Serving as the captain and head boy taught me valuable leadership and management skills’

Anshuman Thakur, an esteemed alumnus of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, recently shared his enriching journey through the corridors of his alma mater. From cherished memories of school plays to academic achievements and leadership roles, Anshuman reflects on how the School shaped his character and career aspirations. His passion for defence services and engineering unfolds as he discusses the pivotal role his school played in nurturing his ambitions. Read on for insights into his transformative experiences and the enduring impact of his Apeejay education.

Read edited excerpts:

Anshuman, reflecting on your years at Apeejay School, could you share some standout moments that shaped your experience?
Absolutely, my journey at Apeejay was incredibly enriching. One of the highlights was my active participation in annual day plays during my early years. I vividly remember portraying characters like Chanakya, Mowgli, Thomas Alva Edison, and even a role reminiscent of Ishaan Awasthi from Taare Zameen Par. These experiences not only honed my acting skills but also instilled in me the importance of versatility and dedication.

You mentioned a pivotal moment with your Hindi teacher. How did that influence your academic journey?
Yes, in 3rd grade, I achieved full marks in a Hindi Olympiad test, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished before. This recognition by my Hindi teacher motivated me immensely and set a standard for excellence that I strived to maintain throughout my academic years.

Your interest in defence and engineering is intriguing. How did Apeejay School contribute to shaping this career path?
Apeejay encouraged a holistic approach to education, which sparked my interest in defence forces and engineering. I was inspired by a topic in ASL in class 11 about the defence forces’ role in India’s strength, which led me to research extensively on the subject. This research, coupled with stories of leaders like Sam Manekshaw, solidified my decision to pursue engineering as a gateway to my ambitions in defence and possibly DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).

Besides academics, you’ve also excelled in extracurricular activities. Could you share a memorable achievement outside the classroom?
Certainly! Participating in inter-school competitions was a thrill, especially winning the aeromodelling competition at IIT Delhi. It was a humbling experience that tested my skills beyond what I had prepared for, reinforcing the value of perseverance and adaptability.

Anshuman, could you share a memorable experience from your participation in the Aeromodelling competition at IIT Delhi?
Participating in the aeromodelling competition at IIT Delhi was an eye-opening experience for me. Initially, I had prepared by building a clay plane at home, only to realise upon arrival that the competition involved crafting a plane from scratch using wood. It was a challenging three and a half hours of meticulous craftsmanship, but somehow, my plane flew the farthest, clinching the first place. It taught me the importance of adaptability and quick thinking in unforeseen circumstances, qualities that have served me well beyond that competition.

Reflecting on your overall growth, how did Apeejay School foster your personal development?
Apeejay emphasised critical thinking over rote learning, encouraging me to understand concepts rather than memorise them verbatim. Moreover, serving as the captain and head boy at different stages taught me valuable leadership and management skills, which continue to guide me today.

What advice would you give current and prospective students of Apeejay School based on your experiences?
I would urge them to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, both academically and personally. Apeejay provides a nurturing environment where initiative and creativity are celebrated, preparing students not just for exams but for life beyond.

For admission enquiry, please contact:
Apeejay School, Sheikh Sarai Road, Sheikh Sarai Phase 1, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110017
Admission Helpline Number: 95991 05594
Phone Number: 011-26012218, 011-26013134, 7303-096-825
Email: [email protected]