Upholding values, inspiring futures; a tribute to Dr Stya Paul’s vision

Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, celebrated its Founder’s Day on October 4, 2024, commemorating the 105th birth anniversary of its revered Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul. The event, held in the auditorium, was a heartfelt tribute to Dr Stya Paul’s immense contributions to education and his vision for Apeejay Stya Education and the Svran Foundation.  

The auditorium was elegantly adorned with a yellow and orange theme, symbolising positivity and warmth. At the centre of the stage, a large photograph of Dr Stya Paul, created a focal point for the tribute (shradhanjali). The event commenced with an opening speech by the students of the Middle Years Programme (MYP), who eloquently spoke about the legacy of the Founder-Chairman.

Following the speech, the school’s principal, Mr Purshottam Dutt Vashist, paid his respects with a formal shradhanjali. His tribute was marked by deep reverence and admiration for Dr Stya Paul’s enduring vision and human values, which continue to guide the school. A soulful rendition of the bhajan “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” by the school’s teachers further enriched the atmosphere, adding a spiritual touch to the proceedings. 

A significant highlight of the event was the screening of a special video titled Journey of Remembrance, which chronicled the life and contributions of Dr Stya Paul. This segment offered the audience a glimpse into his inspirational journey and his profound impact on education. 

The school choir then captivated the audience with two beautiful musical performances – You Raise Me Up and Alone Part 2. The harmonious rendition by the students added an emotional depth to the celebration.

In keeping with Dr Stya Paul’s values, the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Awards for Human Values was presented to several deserving students. From MYP-2, Himaav Berlia received the accolade, while in MYP-4, Bharti and Rivaan Berlia were honoured. From the Diploma Programme (DP-2), Anandita Bhardwaj and Vaishnavi Choudhary were also recognised for their embodiment of these values. Additionally, Vivaan Khanna and Rivaan Berlia were awarded the Badge of Honour for their outstanding community service through the Swayam Foundation. The Handmade Rakhi Making Award was also given. Further accolades were presented to students for their contributions to Model United Nations (MUN) conferences. The Best Delegate awards were given to students across various MYP classes, including Vivaan Khanna, Arjun Sharma, Sumanya, Rivaan Berlia. The event proceeded with Mr Vashist’s address. “Today marks a truly momentous occasion for Apeejay School International as we come together to honour the legacy of our esteemed Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul. This is not the first time I’ve had the privilege of speaking about him, but each time feels just as meaningful, as his profound influence continues to inspire us all. Dr Stya Paul left behind a legacy of excellence and a vision rooted in human faith — a dream that continues to guide us and will endure for generations to come,” he shared.

He also read a special 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.”

“Our Founder-Chairman lived by principles that can serve as guiding lights for all of us. If you also wish to succeed in life, you must abide by certain deeds. First, is the right mindset, followed by a growth mindset, the right preparation, being open-minded, the right kind of reinforcement, the right kind of support, the right kind of care, the right kind of focus, a positive attitude, and gratitude, and the right kind of reflection. Everybody will face failures. If you are happy today you will not be happy tomorrow. You will be not sad all the time. You will not be depressed. That is life. It’s going to throw everything it has to you. Our Founder-Chairman sir had so many setbacks in life and despite those he overcame every obstacle, hence you will shine too,” Mr Vashisht added. 

The Principal’s words served as a powerful reminder of the values that define Apeejay School International and its unwavering dedication to nurturing future leaders. The celebration ended on a patriotic note with the rendition of the National Anthem, leaving the audience with a sense of unity and pride.