TalesOfTradition: “Apeejay has always focused on nurturing value-driven individuals”

For Mr Sachin Rustogi, walking into Apeejay School, Noida is both familiar and fulfilling. An alumnus from the Batch of 1997, he studied at the school from Kindergarten to Class 12. Today, the same corridors witness his sons – Divit Rustogi (Class 10 D) and Aarav Rustogi (Class 3 D) – continuing the legacy. In this edition of TalesOfTradition, Mr Rustogi reflects on choosing his alma mater again, watching it evolve with time, and the values that keep him deeply connected to the school.

Read edited excerpts:

What influenced your decision to admit your children to the same school you studied in?
Being an alumnus definitely played a strong role. My wife and I felt that my school years shaped me well. When we were exploring schools for Divit, distance was a big factor. We live in East Delhi, and daily travel matters for young children. Within a 10–15 km radius, many schools didn’t meet our expectations in terms of infrastructure, reputation, results and overall ecosystem. Apeejay School, Noida naturally stood out. I was also still connected to the school as an alumnus, and even during the admission process, our interaction with the then Principal reinforced our confidence.

How did your professional journey unfold after school?
I pursued Electrical Engineering from Nagpur University, followed by an MBA in Marketing from FORE School of Management, Delhi. My career spans roles in brand management, the power sector and consulting. I’ve worked with organisations such as Tata Power, GE, KPMG and PwC, including a leadership programme stint in the US with GE. For the past decade, I’ve been a Director at my own company, providing high-voltage power sector solutions.

How does it feel to return to the school as a parent now?
It feels great. There’s nostalgia, but also reassurance. Over the years, I’ve seen the school maintain its legacy while keeping pace with changing times, especially in terms of technology and systems. From online fee payments to parent communication platforms, feedback has been taken seriously and implemented steadily.

How effective are the feedback and communication systems at the school?
Very effective. Regular PTMs, annual surveys, teacher accessibility and transparent communication through digital platforms ensure nothing is missed. Even senior leadership remains approachable. Recently, when we faced a small concern with Aarav, the prompt response, from teachers to the primary in-charge, was reassuring.

You often speak about values. How do you see them being imparted to your children?
Values are both tangible and intangible. Simple initiatives like grandparents coming to school to narrate moral stories leave lasting impressions. Aarav was recently asked to draft a vote of thanks for a school assembly. While writing it himself, he included appreciation for support staff like drivers and helpers, something that truly moved us. These moments reflect empathy, respect and awareness. Beyond academics, activities like blood donation camps and student volunteering build compassion. Apeejay has always focused on nurturing value-driven individuals, and I see that continuing across generations.