“Soaring High is My Nature”: Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram celebrates late Founder Chairman legacy 

Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram, commemorated the 107th birth anniversary of its Founder Chairman, Late Dr Stya Paul Ji, with a heartfelt Founder’s Day celebration honouring his enduring legacy, commitment to excellence, and vision of nation-building through value-based education. The occasion brought together the university community to remember a visionary whose ideals continue to inspire generations.

The programme commenced with a welcome address and an introduction to Dr Stya Paul Ji’s life and achievements, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr) Vijay Vir Singh. Faculty members, staff, and students paid floral tributes to the revered founder. A short film, The Man with a Vision, offered glimpses into his remarkable journey and contributions to industry, education, and society.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr) Vijay Vir Singh reflected on the ideals that shaped Dr Stya Paul Ji’s life and vision. He also read a message from Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education, who paid tribute to her father’s determination, hard work, fearlessness, integrity, and resilience. Her message recalled how he rose from humble beginnings to build a lasting legacy through discipline and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Emphasising his philosophy of “Work is Worship”, Mrs Berlia’s message reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to carrying forward his vision through man-making, value-based, and nation-building education. It concluded with his enduring motto, “Soaring High is My Nature”, inspiring the university community to pursue excellence and reach greater heights.

The celebration featured a soulful bhajan recitation by students, followed by cultural performances showcasing the university’s artistic spirit. A multilingual poetry recitation session, Mushaira, added a literary dimension to the programme, celebrating language, poetry, and artistic expression—interests close to the founder’s heart.

A key highlight was the presentation of the Dr Stya Paul Award on Human Values to Khushi Raghav, a third-year student from the School of Biosciences. The award was presented by Prof. (Dr) Vijay Vir Singh along with the Registrar and Deans, recognising the significance of human values in shaping responsible and compassionate individuals. Khushi subsequently shared her reflections on integrity, empathy, and ethical conduct in a presentation titled The Way I Look at It: Human Values, connecting these principles with everyday life.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Sanjay Ahirwal, Dean, Students’ Welfare, followed by refreshments.

The Founder’s Day celebration served as a reminder of Dr Stya Paul Ji’s enduring belief that education must nurture character alongside knowledge. As the ASU community honours his legacy, his ideals of humility, discipline, human values, and excellence continue to guide its commitment to meaningful education and nation-building.