TalesofTradition: ‘We have relations with Apeejay since 2009’

For Varun Garg, a visit to Apeejay School, Noida, is a walk through his own past. A member of the Class of 2009, he now has two children in Class 3 C, his son Riyaansh Garg and his daughter. His elder sister studied at the school, and so did his brother’s children. By his count, the family’s association with Apeejay now stretches across several generations.

What is the best thing about Apeejay?

Everything is the best. For me, everything is the best, from the school, the teachers, the ground, and our memories. I have lots of them, and I can’t talk about just one.

If I have to pick, it is the day I met the Founder, Dr. Stya Paul, in person. He came to our school. That is the one I cherish the most. I also remember the visit of the then Prime Minister to the school. I also remember my time as a member of the computer club, and the talks and principles of teachers. 

Was your decision to enrol your kids at Apeejay backed by your experience?

To enrol children at Apeejay was not sentimental alone. I recently learned that the school had been recognised by the Times Group as the best school in Delhi NCR. My choice is always supported with the facts. 

Do you and Riyaansh share your school memories?

At home, school is a regular topic of conversation. I show my kids old class photographs, including my first class photo, and even my report card. I tell them, see, you are performing like this, I was performing like this. We both end up laughing. 

There are a few teachers from my early years who are teaching my kids as well. A link between the two eras is values, I feel. 

How have you seen Apeejay getting evolved?

The school has grown exponentially since his time. The biggest change is the range of student activities and the support students receive in taking part. In our time, we used to decide what we had to do or not. Now they have the help of their teachers. They help, they motivate, and they counsel them also. That is the one thing I like most now.

Teachers have become close to a second set of parents. My son Riyaansh talks more to his teacher than to me. At parent-teacher meetings, I sometimes learn about things my son shares with his teachers. We were more scared earlier. Kids today are bonding with teachers better.

Do you feel the school is a safe place for students?

Kids are received from the sisters or nannies who look after them. There is far more help now than during my time. My children share a close bond with them. On birthdays Riyaansh carries a special tiffin, he shares it with his sister. I see it as an education in values. They are learning human values, that there should be no discrimination.