Shining Stars, Unforgettable Memories: Apeejay’s IB school class of 2023 takes a bow

John Dewey, an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer once said, “Education is not preparation for life; Education is life itself.” Truly so, as Apeejay School International (ASI), Panchsheel Park proudly bid farewell to the outgoing batch of 2023 and evoked the importance of being life-long learners to these students. The graduation ceremony was a momentous occasion, honouring the dedication, perseverance, and outstanding achievements of these talented minds.  

With hearts filled with nostalgia and pride, the school gathered in the auditorium on May 20, 2023 to celebrate the remarkable journey and the milestones they reached together. Through hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment, students and educators of the institution proved that dreams can become reality.

The event was graced by Ms Chandan Choudhary, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South District – Delhi Police. She was welcomed by eminent members of Apeejay Education, Dr V.S. Garg, Education Advisor and Ms Ritu Mehta, Director Academics – New Projects. Besides, Ms Ritu Kanwar, Headmistress, Apeejay School -Faridabad and school coordinators were present on the occasion. Accompanied by all of them, Ms Choudhary lit the ceremonial lamp and marked the beginning of the programme.

After extending a green welcome to the guests, Ms Neha Sharma, IBDP coordinator of the school welcomed the gathering. She said, “I take this opportunity to remember Dr Stya Paul, the late Founder-Chairman of Apeejay Education who was a beacon of light. His vision of holistic and valued-based education guides Apeejay till date. Once his dream, today stands as a living testimony as 26 institutions pan-India under the aegis of Apeejay Education. Currently, sir’s legacy is being carried forward by his only daughter Madam Sushma Paul Berlia, Co-Promoter and President of Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Chairperson, Apeejay Education, and Chancellor Apeejay Stya University. A multi-dimensional personality, Madam Berlia is a leading entrepreneur, industrialist, and educationist who is devoted to man-making and nation-building powered by a global footprint.”

Soon after, Ms Choudhary shared her thoughts with the audience. She said, “It is an honour to be here today. I appreciate the ethos, values, systems and principles instilled by the institution in its students. I am certain that it will keep these learners in good stead. I want to tell you (students) that life is not easy. There will be challenges and there may come a time where you will have to encounter failures. But you must have the grit and power to overcome it and move ahead with greater force. Train your mind to emerge victorious from these setbacks and possess the courage to fight the odds. All the best! Thank you.”

Soon after, Ms Sharma also shared a message from Madam Berlia with all. It read, ‘I am delighted that Apeejay School International is celebrating its graduation ceremony 2022-23 for the outgoing batch on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Though I would have loved to attend, I am currently abroad and would not be able to join you all for the ceremony.

I extend my best wishes on this occasion to the graduating students. It is the culmination of their hard work & dedication, and the effort of their teachers, that has brought them to this cherished goal. I am glad that ASI’s enhanced curriculum is mapped to the best curricula across the world and has been designed to keep students ahead of their age groups, and provide them opportunities to realise their unique potential and become innovative leaders.

At Apeejay Education, the pursuit of excellence is never-ending. ASI has already carved out a unique identity for itself and is growing from strength to strength. In the times to come, I am sure it will keep soaring higher and higher.’

After reading out the treasured message, Ms Sharma also extended her gratitude to Mr Nishant Berlia, Co-Promoter Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Co-Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, Mr Aditya Berlia, Co-Promoter Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Co-Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, and Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter of Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor Apeejay Stya University for their continuous support and guidance on the big day.

Shortly, the school’s choir sang melodies to uplift the spirit of the audience. Their songs fit the memorable and emotional day and were cherished by all the graduates.

After this, Dr Garg, addressed one and all. He said, “It is not only a crucial day in the academic calendar of the school but a milestone for students. ASI is Delhi’s first and only comprehensive international day boarding school which gives young learners a platform to stay ahead of their age group. The school prepares students for the real world and equips them to become innovative leaders.” Besides, he extended warm wishes to the graduates of the day and highlighted how they have been exposed to the best in order to ‘soar high’. On behalf of the Apeejay management and the school’s team, he then thanked all for their presence. Lastly, he mentioned the crucial role of parents who supported the endeavours of the school throughout the year. 

Sharing a special message with the students, the school’s Principal, Mr Purshottam Dutt Vashist, says, “Graduation marks the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one in the life of students. It’s a bitter-sweet moment where you (students) are leaving behind friends and teachers to embark on a journey to make new friends and explore new horizons. I hope that the education we have provided at ASI has prepared you for the challenges that lie ahead. The skills acquired will make you scale greater heights and achieve your dreams. As we look back at your journey at the school and relive the memories that we will cherish forever, on behalf of the school, I wish you the best for your future and pray that all that you have dreamt of comes true. We will always welcome you with open arms at the school. This will forever remain your alma mater.”

Students Vedha Jangir and Tejas Kapil presented the numerous accolades received by the school in the past year. From speech writing competitions to sports and painting events, ASI students aced it all in the year gone by. As the school promotes International Mindedness and offers an interdisciplinary approach, students, as of last year, left no stone unturned to push the boundaries of learning and conquer new skies. The learner-centric paradigm of the school further aided them to enthusiastically participate in numerous workshops, social drives, guest lectures and much more. In addition to this, these young minds did not shy away from going on-ground to learn about their environment and society, be it excursions or interactions.

After their presentation, Ms Choudhary felicitated the graduates. As part of the ceremony, student Nakul Logani bagged the Valedictorian honour and student Aditya Kumar was awarded the ‘Student of the Year’ trophy.

The day would have been incomplete without hearing from the outgoing students. Therefore, they shared their extraordinary reflections on the momentous day. According to student Nakul Logani, the school helped him accomplish milestones and put his foot forward. During internal assessments, exams and projects, he developed close bonds with his classmates and also had the chance to interact one-on-one with his educators. “Apeejay armed with the will and power to create positive change in the world,” he said.

Followed by this, the Middle-Years-Programme (MYP) and Primary-Years-Programme (PYP) coordinators, Ms Pragati Agnihotri and Ms Shalini Fate shared their thoughts. Two short videos based on the experiences of students from these two segments were also shared with the audience.

According to Ms Agnihotri, “I congratulate you (students) on the remarkable achievement. Do take a moment to reflect on the journey you undertook in the last year. Dream big and aspire to chart your own path towards success. Further, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to parents and facilitators who helped us through the way.” Sharing a similar view, Ms Fate said, “With pride and great joy, I see all the young graduates of the school stepping into a new phase. Keep at your academic pursuits and implement the life-skills and learnings imparted by the school in real-life situations.”

Further, the reflections and memories of Diploma Programme students were also shared with the audience. After which, Ms Sharma addressed all. She said, “It is a day of delight as we commemorate the accomplishments of our students. Each of them have worked hard and I hope that they remain open-minded to learn in future too. Students, show love and care to the new people you meet and above all, be kind and compassionate. Fare thee well and all the best!” 

Lastly, students Prajwal and Aditya delivered a Vote of Thanks to conclude the ceremony. They mentioned the role of the Apeejay management, Education officers, Principal, educators, coordinators and staff for the success of the day. In addition to this, they thanked the guests and attendees for their gracious presence. The ceremony came to a close with the National Anthem.