Students embrace the legacy of excellence for community impact

The Former United States Secretary of Agriculture, Ezra Benson said, “If you really want to receive joy and happiness, then serve others with all your heart. Lift their burden, and your own burden will be lighter.”

This quote is a reflection of the idea that true happiness is often found in selfless service to others. By lifting the difficulties of those around you, you not only make a positive difference in their lives but also experience a deep sense of joy and contentment yourself. The sentiment is often echoed in many philosophies around the world, emphasising the value of compassion, empathy, and altruism.

In an exemplary demonstration of commitment to community welfare, Apeejay Schools instill this profound ethos of selfless service in their educational framework. It empowers young minds to actively address real-world challenges and extend a helping hand to those in need, thereby nurturing them to become valuable contributors to the nation.

A momentous event unfolded on 6 September, 2023 at Apeejay School, Noida, as three distinguished institutions namely Apeejay School, Pitampura, Apeejay School, Saket, and Apeejay School, Noida came together for the Composite Investiture Ceremony of their Interact Clubs. This celebration marked a harmonious convergence of leadership, service, and enduring human values.

In consonance with their unwavering dedication to societal well-being, six Apeejay schools in total have forged a close-knit partnership with Rotary, a global network of like-minded individuals united by a shared mission to drive positive global change. Operating under the banner of Interact Clubs, school students collaboratively spearhead year-long initiatives spanning a wide spectrum of causes, from promoting literacy and peace to championing water conservation and enhancing healthcare accessibility.

“Set goals that can contribute to your sense of accomplishment”

-Mr Sudhanshu Pachisia

This notable ceremony went beyond the confines of individual institutions, embracing three such distinguished establishments of Apeejay Education. The schools joined hands on this august occasion with the primary aim of inducting fresh student office-bearers, who are entrusted with pivotal responsibilities for the academic term of 2023-2024. As these exceptional minds embarked on a new academic year bedecked with badges of distinction, they also pledged to take on a journey embodying the principle of ‘service above self’, underpinned by the profound belief that true leadership lies in enriching the lives of others.

Rooted in Apeejay’s steadfast focus on enduring human values, the programme heralded the commencement of a year teeming with potential, where these emerging leaders are poised to translate their dedication into tangible initiatives for the betterment of society.

The occasion was graced by esteemed guests, including Mr. Sudhanshu Pachisia, President of the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier along with Ms Aneesha Dalmia. Also present were Mr. Shreekant Somany, the Chairman & Managing Director of Somany Ceramics Limited and Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta, both of whom are affiliates at Rotary. Dr Lal is also an alumna of Apeejay School, Noida. The event witnessed a heartfelt message from Dr. Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter at Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Chair of Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Club of Delhi Premier. She extended her warm regards for the students.

“I extend heartfelt greetings to all the Interactors from our Apeejay schools for their outstanding contributions.”

-Dr Neha Berlia

The gathering was further enriched by the presence of Mr. N.N. Nayyar, Education Officer at Apeejay Education, alongside school Principals, Ms. Veena Goel, Dr Sujeet Eric Masih and Ms Ritu Kohli.

The day commenced with a warm welcome extended by the primary students of Apeejay School, Noida. Children donned colorful costumes and beamed with positivity as they welcomed the guests. Subsequently, the assembly convened in the school auditorium. A harmonious rendition of the National Anthem filled the air with pride and the ceremonial lamp was lit. Both guests and students reverently chanted mantras, seeking divine blessings to mark the auspicious beginning of the event.

Infusing the atmosphere with joy, students from Apeejay, Pitampura showcased a vibrant Braj ki Holi dance. They illuminated the stage with their graceful movements and display of talent.

Following this engaging performance, Ms. Kohli extended a formal welcome to the esteemed guests. She underscored that Apeejay School, Noida stands tall as a premier institution in Delhi-NCR that remains resolute in its commitment to elevate benchmarks and attentively cater to the evolving requirements of students. She further expressed gratitude to Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairperson Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Chairperson, Apeejay Education, and Chancellor Apeejay Stya University for her guidance and support. She also thanked Dr. Neha Berlia who diligently backs the school’s endeavours.

As part of her video message, Dr. Berlia said, “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Pachisia. It is a privilege to host him today at our school.” Furthermore, she spoke about Apeejay Education which was founded more than five decades ago by her late grandfather, Dr. Stya Paul, an eminent educationist, industrialist, and freedom fighter. “Today, Apeejay has 26 schools and higher educational institutions pan-India with 40,000 students, 65,000+ alumni and over 2200 faculty members. Alongside, the Group prides itself in launching India’s first industry-centric, technology, and liberal arts university – Apeejay Stya University.”

She continued, “Our association with Rotary began with my late grandfather, Dr. Stya Paul in the 1960s. He also served as the President of the club for three consecutive years and was awarded the highest Rotarian honor for his humanitarian services as part of the Rotary club of Jalandhar. Since then, our family continues to honour the tradition by taking part in community initiatives.”

Apeejay Schools have been part of several community-based initiatives such as blood donation camp, support for pulse polio campaign, save water campaign, recycling and waste management, clothes and food donation drives, and much more. Students have worked in close association with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well.

Dr. Berlia added, “On this momentous occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the Interactors from our Apeejay schools for their outstanding contributions in the year gone by. Your hard work and commitment have truly made a positive impact. Looking ahead, I have no doubt that the new Presidents and their teams will uphold the legacy of excellence of the club.”

After her speech, students of Apeejay School, Saket performed a Nukkad Natak highlighting the importance of the NEP 2020. Using simple language and catchy phrases, the students seamlessly summarised all about the policy and enlightened the audience on how it will benefit the nation’s education system. Then, the outgoing Presidents Divisha Dua of Apeejay School, Pitampura, Shreya Lal, Apeejay School, Saket and Ishita Soni from Apeejay School, Noida transferred their badges to the newly elected Presidents.

Furthermore, the departing student leaders presented their annual report. Navya Baweja, on behalf of Divisha Dua, outlined the team’s year-long endeavours and contribution towards the community. Her club undertook numerous initiatives, including Roti Bank, Buddy Programme, Kargil Vijay Diwas, Poshan Mah, among others. Shreya Lal shared various campaigns such as anti-drugs, tree plantation drive, fundraisers and speak against terror which were organised in the school. Finally, Ishita Soni discussed about her club’s involvement in road safety awareness campaign, Har Ghar Tiranga, Daan Utsav, Green Diwali, Human Rights Day and many more.

The newly elected Presidents for this term are: Bhavya Jain – Apeejay School, Pitampura, Iqra Naaz – Apeejay School, Saket, and Sarthak Singhal – Apeejay School, Noida. As part of the ceremony, Mr. Pachisia administered the oath to all the position holders, encouraging them to serve the people and actively engage in community welfare.

Next, addressing the audience, Mr. Pachisia presented Rotary’s guiding principles, encapsulated in the four-way test. It poses four critical questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? According to him, these inquiries will help guide a leader to take moral decisions in the tenure.

He also advised all student leaders to take up teaching as part of their daily contribution to the society. In light of this, he introduced an ‘Each One, Teach One’ initiative and recommended students to educate others in their family or vicinity. Moreover, he spoke about how all the children must devote an hour to themselves every day and do something in that hour to further their self-growth. “You must set goals that can contribute to your sense of accomplishment in order to move forward towards a set vision,” he said.  

Next, Mr. Somany shared his thoughts. He began by referring to a Chinese saying that means that the biggest charity one can perform is to educate someone and facilitate in making them stand on their own feet. Through this, he highlighted how all the Interactors on the big day have stepped into the shoes of leadership to bring change. He further remarked that leadership is not about power, rather it is the ability to impact the community through work.

He also shared the story of an old man with three sons. Each one of them were given 10 talents (money) by their father and they had to make use of it in three years. After the completion of that time period, the old man looked into the results. He found that his first son had spent most of it buying the best of the world. The next one kept the talents safely and returned to him. On this, the old man was impressed and he realised that this was a noble thing to do. However, his third son, invested the talents and increased it manifold. The old man applauded him and said, “You are wise.” Through this account, Mr Somany stated how each one of us has a talent which we can invest and grow. For us, it is called ‘time’ and how we utilise it to add value to our lives is most crucial.

Following this, Bhaya Jain outlined her vision for the upcoming club activities, emphasising themes such as nutrition, educational for all, and anti-cracker campaign. Similarly, Iqra Naaz expressed her intent to engage her club in subjects like cyber safety, wellness, anti-bullying campaign, tree plantation, gender sensitisation etc. Finally, Sarthak Singhal highlighted Joy of Giving, Green Diwali, blood donation drive as focal points for his club.

Concluding the event, Ms. Manjari Rattan conveyed the Vote of Thanks. She expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries for their inspiring words and commended the efforts of guests, teachers, staff, and students for putting up an outstanding show.