‘The best 14 years of my life were spent here’

It’s not every day that you come across an individual who wishes to change the world through welfare means. This vivacious young girl passed out of Apeejay School, Saket in 2011 with dreams as big as her heart. Meet Tanya Bhatt, who is now working in the welfare sector. As she aspires to change the world for the good, she recalls how her strength, grit, and foundation were laid down in her early years at this school.

Tell us about yourself.

I was born and brought up in Delhi. My native is Uttarakhand, which I used to visit during my summer vacations during school years. I miss the summer vacations and the winter breaks, one doesn’t get to have them post-school! Professionally, I went on to complete my bachelor’s and master’s in social work.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day for me begins at 6 am, and by 7 am I am out for a small walk, similar to school days. Back then it was only till the bus stand. Today, it is a bit longer. I have an amazing house helper who comes over for meals and cleans the dishes and the home. Post sorting clothes, getting ready for the day, and having a good heavy breakfast, I am off for my office which begins from 9:30 am till 5:30 pm. I get to meet multiple people from varied backgrounds, it’s a public dealing job of a welfare officer at a premier hospital.

Tell us about your school life.

School life was super amazing. From the very beginning till its completion. I made many friends, and they are still in touch, thanks to social media. It was all about friends and teachers who helped create amazing summer camps, and trips to beautiful locations (my first flight was in class III to Agra, I still fancy it!!). The school days were wholesome and laid the foundation for my lifetime.

Share a few nostalgic memories from Apeejay.

It cannot be few, there are many nostalgic memories, but yes to share a few… The bus rides from school to home are still cherished. There used to be a higher seat on the school bus, my best friend and I used to always sit on it only. Oh, the fun was beyond comparison! Then there were morning assemblies, so much fun! The house activities- then we had Mercury (yellow), Mars (red), Neptune (green), and initially Pluto (blue) then when Pluto lost its planet title we became Jupiter!! As I grew older, I loved my lab classes too, they gave a very adult feel while dealing with chemicals and pendulums, prisms, onions, and cheek cells!

How were the teachers at Apeejay?

They were the real gurus! What they have taught, it has remained ingrained in the mind and heart. Today I realise the value of a teacher when I see growing kids around me. It is so significant that, equal to a household similar to a mother, a teacher plays a role in the development of a personality for the society that we all live in. I was lucky that at each pedestal I met teachers who helped me! I can’t thank them enough ever.

What are your dreams and goals?

My dream is to work in the welfare sector, which I am living each day, thanks to my initial strong foundational years of Apeejay School.

Any message for the students of the school.

Cherish each school day, they won’t come back. Choose your stream mindfully, don’t run behind the group, and carve your path and niche.

Your comments on the brain drain trend.

We are a global society today. Any contribution towards society is a contribution for one and all.

How did Apeejay help you hone your skills?

I think I might be one of the fortunate ones who got the opportunity to study at this school from nursery till class XII! 14 years!! To say that Apeejay gave me any particular skill would be an understatement. I am what I am today because of so many people and institutes, with my school being the very first.