Apeejay School, Model Town commemorated the 105th birth anniversary of its visionary Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul, with deep reverence and heartfelt tributes, celebrating his enduring legacy and unparalleled contributions to education. The day’s events were a powerful reminder of his unwavering commitment to learning, ethics, and human values, which continue to inspire generations of students and educators.
The celebration began with a warm welcome extended to the entire Apeejay fraternity, including teachers, students, and administrative staff, setting the tone for a day of reflection and gratitude. The traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolising the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of knowledge, marked the opening of the ceremony. This act was a fitting tribute to Dr. Stya Paul Ji’s lifelong dedication to the empowerment of young minds through education.
A floral tribute was offered, as members of the Apeejay family honoured Dr. Stya Paul’s vision and his profound contributions to society. His commitment to fostering an environment of learning and personal growth was recognised by all in attendance, particularly students, who participated in a soulful bhajan session, including the touching rendition of Vishwapati Ke Dhyan Mein. These spiritual offerings added a reverent and solemn dimension to the proceedings, reflecting the values that Dr Stya Paul championed throughout his life.
Ms Priyanka Grover, the Officiating Principal, read out a message from Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education:
“Today is the 105th Birth Anniversary of Dr Stya Paul – Founder Chairman of Apeejay Stya Group & Apeejay Education – a day that we celebrate each year as Founder’s Day. An eminent industrialist, educationist, freedom fighter and philanthropist of the highest order, his life is a shining example of how we can overcome all odds to achieve our dreams and become a beacon of inspiration for all around us. Commemorating his birthday is our way of paying tribute to his determination, hard work and spirit of excellence that helped him rise from humble beginnings and overcome physical disabilities to become one of the most successful and respected men of this nation.
Your Principal/Director must have shared some details of his life and work with all of you, but merely words cannot depict or reflect the illustrious achievements of his life, or the depths of his multidimensional personality. I would like to, however, take advantage of the occasion to mention a few things which stand out in my mind – some feelings which I would like to share with all of you.
The eldest of 7 children, Dr. Stya Paul lost his mother at a very young age and father a few years later. As the eldest son, business and family responsibilities came to rest on his shoulders, very early in life. They were shouldered with lots of love and affection, and from then onwards, he developed the trait of putting others before himself. He was, if anything, a living example of modesty and humility, and preferred to let his work speak for him.
He had the valuable qualities of hard work, fearlessness and love for truth and these stood him in good stead as he pioneered the Apeejay Stya Group into an industrial conglomerate, and Apeejay Education (which is a Social Commitment of the Group) into one of the most respected and successful educational organisations of India.
Today Apeejay Education has 26 Educational Institutions – Schools and Higher Education Institutes – all symbols of excellence in their various disciplines, moulding the life and careers of all future generations. Year 2010 also saw the realisation of his dream of setting up the Apeejay Stya University – a world-class university that is not only a seat of global learning, but also one that brings about transformation of society through value-based, man-making and nation- building education.
Once, I had asked him as to how, from humble beginnings, he had been able to turn Apeejay Stya into one of the biggest success stories of the nation. He had replied that he had only concentrated on working hard with dedication and commitment as he believed that “Work is Worship”. He said that along the way, he met talented and committed people who joined him in his quest for excellence, and good things kept happening.
Over the years, he has been actively associated with several causes – in the field of industry, education and social uplift. Kind, benevolent, and ever ready to help all, he left a lasting impact on all those he came into contact with. All this was done quietly; he never took any credit, only liked to pass it around. He desired no monuments or awards for himself, though over the years, innumerable awards and honours have been conferred on him by governments, universities and organisations for his contribution to the development of the nation, in both education and industry.
Dr Stya Paul was always a positive thinker, who faced all of life’s vicissitudes with a smiling countenance, never-say-die attitude and an unflinching faith in the Almighty. Though he was a hard task-master, his punctuality, sense of discipline, dedication and focus made him an ideal role model of excellence for all those who worked with him. For him, work was passion, and he hated to miss office even when he was ill. He had a sharp memory for people, was an excellent listener, apart from being a good orator and writer.
He was a lover of Urdu poetry and had a deep interest in spiritualism, philosophy, culture and Arts. He had a keen insight into events and people, and loved the company of children. He always remembered those who helped him, and was a friend of friends. He had kind words for even those who opposed him.
Once, many years ago, Swami Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Mission, said three words to him: “Be a Man”. This, my father told me, changed the entire perspective of his life. Today, I would like to convey to everyone that this is what he had always been, in life and deed – a man, in the true sense of the word – Purushottam.
So, as we remember and honour him on his 105th Birth Anniversary, let us celebrate both what our Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul was, and what he stood for. Let us take a pledge to uphold the legacy of excellence that he leaves behind, and strive to achieve the goals to which he devoted his life. I would like to end with one of the favourite Urdu couplets of my father, the inspiration behind his life and the motto of Apeejay Education – “Soaring High is my nature”
Tu shaheen hai parvaaz hai kaam tera Tere samne aasman aur bhi hai. “You are a falcon. Soaring high is your nature. There are skies yet for you to conquer.”
The celebration also recognised students who embody Dr Stya Paul’s values through the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values. This year, the award was presented to Aastha Kapoor from the secondary section and Aarish Saini from the middle section for their exemplary commitment to human values and ethics. The award serves as a powerful reminder of the school’s dedication to nurturing not just academic achievers, but compassionate and responsible global citizens.
In her closing remarks, Ms Namrata Sharma, the Headmistress of the school, reflected on the ideals of perseverance and ambition that defined Dr. Stya Paul’s life. She encouraged students to continue striving for excellence, both academically and in their personal lives, and to carry forward his legacy through their actions and ambitions.
Adding a hands-on element to the celebration, students initiated a charity drive, showcasing their commitment to giving back to the community — an effort that Dr Stya Paul would have greatly valued. Additionally, a drawing competition was organised to commemorate the occasion, allowing students to express their admiration for the founder through creativity and art.