‘The school will always remain close to my heart’

Meet Vaishali Sethi Grover, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Noida an eminent strategy professional in the field of pharmaceuticals who aims to forge a better world devoid of diseases and sufferings. In a candid interview, Grover narrates about her good old days at school which reminisces her of learning and playtime

Tell us about yourself

I am alumna from the batch of 2011. It is an absolute pleasure to be taking a trip down the memory lane. At present, I am working in the Biopharmaceutical industry, doing my bit towards fostering a healthier world.

What does a typical day look like?

I start my day with morning prayer and exercises. My work at the office involves making strategic plans for my organisation and helping out different teams make their investment decisions. My daily routine involves collaborating and meeting various stakeholders, both internal and external; gathering, interpreting and analysing data and insights and producing meaningful roadmaps for the organisation. I like to balance my professional life and personal life, so any hectic day is typically followed by some quality time that involves spending time with myself, pursuing my hobbies and with my family.

Tell us about your school life.

It feels like yesterday that I sat in the school classrooms, walked across the hexagonal corridors and forged lifelong friendships. I spent 13 years at Apeejay School, Noida and there are many fond memories associated with the place. From the swings and the rabbit enclosure in the kindergarten department, to the restricted sections of the library; from sitting in the principal’s office for my admission interview as a four-year-old, to sitting there as a class XII CBSE topper; from swimming in the pool to sitting in the amphitheatre for the last minute studies before the exam; from sweating it out in the big playground to immersing in the world of knowledge in the classrooms, the place led us through life. I am sure school will always have a special place in my heart. 

Share a few nostalgic memories from Apeejay?

There are just innumerable memories that I have of my school life. But few I remember distinctly include the overnight camp we had after graduating from the first grade. This was the year 2000 and we were a bunch of six year olds camping away to glory at school, singing and dancing all evening and then making blanket forts once the lights were out. I could do anything to live another day of such pristine bliss and innocent fun!

Another that stands out among the cloud of memories is the Silver Jubilee celebration we had in school in 2008-09. I was in middle school and participated in various events organised by Yoga, Math and Computer Science departments. It was by far the most well-coordinated event I have witnessed, and it involved participation of every student and staff member of the school. I am lucky to have been a part of it.

The school library was my favourite place where I spent a significant amount of time, and almost all of my senior secondary years. From initially starting out devouring Enid Blyton’s works one after the other, to reading unabridged classics to exploring all the extra reference books, I cannot imagine my school life without that place. Library and its books made me an explorer and within the confines of those hexagons, I toured the whole world; the past, present, future and the realms of fiction too!

How were the teachers at Apeejay?

One thing that stood out in my school were the teachers. They had a special knack for identifying hidden talents among students and honing them. In my case for instance, I can totally dedicate my skills in creative writing and yoga to my teachers at Apeejay School, Noida who took special interest in me and helped hone my skills. Without their keen observation and interest in each student, many of our hidden talents would never have had a chance to see the light of the day. 

What is your dream and goal in life?

I dream of a peaceful and healthy, disease free world. My goal in life is to be an instrument, albeit miniscule in my personal capacity, towards this dream of mine. There is so much in our world today that divides us and we have to make a conscientious effort to ensure that those, oftentimes manmade divisions do not get the better of us. Our life indeed is very simple and we do not need much to be happy and it is that happiness for all that I wish and seek for the world. Like the famous quote from Ruskin Bond: “When all the wars are done, a butterfly will still be beautiful.”

Any message for the students of the school.

School time and childhood is the age of infinite possibilities, we can be whatever we dream of. Let no one ever talk you into believing that anything out there is too good for you to reach. The sky is yours, all you have to do is to go out there and reach out for it. Help will always be there in the form of the great institution that you are a part of.

Your comments on the brain drain trend.

Brain drain truly is a reality that we have to live with. However, it is to be noted that this global mobility of talent is oftentimes for the greater good of humanity when people get to use the best of resources available across the globe to hone their skills and do great work. As the famous quote from Seneca goes, “I am not born for one corner, the world is my native land”. If we have people moving out, we also are able to access a lot of global talent. Also, initiatives to create favourable conditions at home can encourage the return of skilled professionals, fostering both local and global prosperity. 

How did Apeejay help you hone your skills?

I really do owe much of my love for learning new skills and the commitment to lifelong learning to my school experience. The teachers were always encouraging and ready to extend any kind of help and support, academic or otherwise and I am really thankful to them for this. Through challenges and triumphs, through hard days and good, my school laid a solid foundation, equipping me with the skills and confidence to navigate the complexities of the real world.