Alumni Speak
‘The clarity I developed here paved my path to dental college’
Apeejay School, Nerul alumnus shares how discipline and punctuality taught here have become part of his life
Apeejay School, Nerul alumnus shares how discipline and punctuality taught here have become part of his life
Published
1 day agoon

He is an alumnus of Apeejay School, Nerul, where he studied from 1992 to 1995. Today, he is a consultant dental surgeon and has been practising for the past 23 years in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. Meet Dr Ajay Gupta. In a candid interview, he talks about his school days and why he chose this school for his son as well, among other things.
When you think of your days as an Apeejayite, which memory rises first?
The memories that come back most vividly are those of entering the school campus, the games periods, and the classrooms led by wonderful teachers. These moments have left a deep impression because the knowledge and values they imparted were both enriching and lasting.
Are there values or small everyday habits from your school life that you still carry?
There are several values that I continue to carry with me even today, often without realising it. These include good communication skills, respectful conduct, punctuality, discipline, and a sense of responsibility, all of which guide my personal and professional interactions daily.
Your child also studied here. What made you choose the same school?
My son, Manan Ajay Gupta, completed his Class X at Apeejay School, Nerul, in 2023. Choosing the same school for him was a very natural decision for me, as this school has been an integral part of my life and personal journey. However, my son wanted to pursue another avenue and left the school.
Any teachers, mentors, or school experiences that influenced your career choices?
The teachers who taught us were so dedicated and inspiring that I was always clear about pursuing a professional course. This clarity eventually led me to secure admission at DY Patil Dental College, Nerul. Studying at this school always felt like being at home. The teachers were there to help us with any problems that we faced.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Whenever I face challenges in life, my coping skills instinctively come into play. I try to handle situations in a calm and composed manner. I strongly believe this ability comes from the strong foundation laid during my years at my alma mater, Apeejay School.
Shalini is an Executive Editor with Apeejay Newsroom. With a PG Diploma in Business Management and Industrial Administration and an MA in Mass Communication, she was a former Associate Editor with News9live. She has worked on varied topics - from news-based to feature articles.