What do a badge, a baton and 11 avenues of service mean?

Interact Clubs in schools like Apeejay Schools encourage students to serve their communities, develop leadership skills, and work as a team. Through meaningful initiatives, students become more responsible, empathetic, and socially aware, while understanding the value of collective action. With the focus on creating lasting impact and guided by the principle of Service Above Self, Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School, International, Panchsheel Park, Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad, and Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, held their composite investiture ceremony.

Rotarian Anurag Rathi, President of the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier; Mrs Nandita Rathi; Rotarian Dr Kalpana Gupta, Honorary Secretary of the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier; Rotarian Mohit Bijori, Director of the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier, Mr NN Nayyar, Senior Education Officer, Apeejay Schools; and Principals of the sister schools: Mr Stephen James Tumpane, Principal-cum-Director, Research & Capability Development, Apeejay School, International, Panchsheel Park, Capt Praveen Roy, Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad, and Mrs Swapna Nair, Apeejay School, Panchhsheel Park together with the Vice-principals graced the occasion.

The distinguished guests were given a ceremonial welcome by the band of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. Accompanied by rhythmic drum rolls and spirited melodies, they were escorted to the auditorium. The event commenced with the National Anthem, followed by the formal call to order.

To seek the blessings of the Almighty, the distinguished guests were invited to light the ceremonial lamp amid the auspicious chanting of Shubham Kurutvam Kalyanam by the students of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. As a reflection of the schools’ commitment to sustainability, the distinguished guests were accorded a green welcome with saplings. Capt Roy accorded a green welcome to Rotarian Anurag Rathi, Mrs Nandita Rathi, and Dr Gupta. Mr Tumpane accorded the green welcome to Rtn Bijori and Mr Nayyar.

The programme continued with Devi Stuti, a devotional dance dedicated to Ma Durga, the eternal embodiment of Shakti. Celebrating her divine power and presence, the performance invoked her blessings while portraying the triumph of good over evil and the unwavering strength of the Goddess.

Mrs Nair took the stage and extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests. “The Composite Installation Ceremony of the Interact Clubs of Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park; Apeejay School, Faridabad, Sector 15; and Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park marks a significant occasion for all of us. I firmly believe that ideals become meaningful only when they are translated into action, particularly action that serves others. Our young Interactors exemplify this belief through their commitment to service, compassion, responsibility, and leadership,” she said.

At Apeejay School, education has always extended beyond academic excellence. It is about nurturing compassion, integrity, and individual responsibility, she added. We strive to prepare our students to become responsible citizens and confident leaders. “This vision is deeply rooted in the ideals of Dr Stya Paul, Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, who began this noble journey nearly six decades ago. His dream of providing value-based and holistic education continues to guide us under the dynamic leadership of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education. We are also deeply grateful to Rotarian Dr Neha Berlia, Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner, Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University.

“This ceremony is much more than a formal installation. It is a celebration of responsibility, leadership, and service. It is a moment when our young students step forward and make a positive commitment: not merely to lead, but to serve; not merely to dream, but to act; and not merely to succeed, but to create a lasting impact on the world around them,” Mrs Nair shared.

Speaking at the event, Rtn Rathi said, “It is an honour to install the new Interact Presidents and their teams. Interact represents friendship, cooperation and the coming together of young minds to create a positive impact. I congratulate the outgoing teams on receiving the Club Excellence Award for 2025–26 from Rotary International. I hope the new teams will strive to achieve this honour by completing and surpassing the 11 prescribed avenues.”

Interact offers many opportunities to create a lasting impact through healthcare, environmental and other initiatives, he added. “I encourage you to organise activities during Interact Week, participate in RYLA and Kaleidoscope, collaborate with Rotaract and use Rotary’s Brand Centre appropriately. Wear your badges with pride, remembering the responsibility they carry. As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others’. I congratulate you all and wish you a fulfilling and inspiring year ahead,” he shared.

Attending the ceremony virtually, Dr Neha Berlia extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and said, “Human values have guided our journey for nearly six decades. Our revered Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul, believed in building a better world through kindness, compassion and purposeful action. His association with Rotary began in the 1960s, and his exemplary humanitarian service earned him prestigious recognition from Rotary International. His legacy, carried forward by my mother, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, continues to inspire me. The Interact Club is a living laboratory of leadership. It nurtures character, teamwork, compassion, problem-solving and social responsibility. I encourage our Interactors to initiate grassroots service projects, raise awareness and engage with fellow members at regional, national and international levels,” Dr Neha Berlia said.

She congratulated the outgoing Presidents for their exemplary leadership during 2025–26, and the teams honoured with the Club Excellence Award and welcomed the newly appointed presidents of the Interact Club. “I thank Principal Mrs Nair, the Principals of sister schools, teachers, and Interact in-charges for their dedication. As Rotary founder Paul Harris said, ‘Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves’. May we transform good intentions into purposeful action and lasting change,” Dr Neha Berlia said.

The occasion celebrated a journey shaped by dreams, quiet confidence and the courage to turn possibilities into reality. This spirit came alive through a soulful choir presentation by the young performers of Apeejay’s IB School.

Their melodious voices and boundless energy captivated the audience. The two songs presented by the choir were exceptional, beautifully conveying hope, courage and the freedom to dream. The two songs presented by the choir were exceptional, with the students’ melodious voices and vibrant energy beautifully conveying hope, courage and the freedom to dream.

Through the street play Educate, Empower, Elevate: Say No to Substance Abuse, the students of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, raised awareness about the causes and consequences of substance abuse. The performance also highlighted the importance of self-discipline, family support and making informed choices. It was a thought-provoking presentation that delivered a strong message with conviction and facts.

Indian mythology is replete with timeless tales of courage, devotion and the triumph of good over evil. One such episode recounts Lord Krishna’s victory over the mighty serpent Kaliya to protect the people of Vrindavan. The students of Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad, brought this powerful narrative to life through Kalinga Nartana Tillana (dance of the young Krishna on the hoods of the serpent Kaliya). Combining intricate rhythms, graceful movements and expressive storytelling, the dance beautifully captured Lord Krishna’s divine power, courage and playful spirit.

Ariham Jain, outgoing President of the Interact Club at Apeejay’s IB School, reflected on a year shaped by compassion, leadership and meaningful action. He shared that Interact taught him that leadership means standing beside others, serving them and helping them grow.

Aleeza Ismail, outgoing President of the Interact Club at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, reflected on a fulfilling year of service, leadership and collaboration. She credited teamwork for the success of every initiative and encouraged the incoming board to carry forward this spirit.

Ahana Chugh, outgoing President of the Interact Club at Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad, reflected on a rewarding year of service and growth. She thanked her mentors and encouraged the incoming team to serve with greater zeal.

It was then time for the leadership transfer. Rtn Mr Rathi, along with other guests were invited on the stage. Ariham Jain passed on the baton to Yishika Gupta as the incoming President of the Interact Club at Apeejay’s IB School. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing President and the team for their remarkable contributions to the Interact community and introduced her team: Ariham Jain (Vice-President), Saanvi Sharma (Secretary, Rivan Berlia (Treasurer), and the directors.

Aleeza Ismail transferred the leadership to Ahana Sahi. She thanked everyone for giving her this responsibility and shared her team: Nehal Verma (Vice-President), Isha Gupta (Secretary), Mehreet Kaur (Treasurer), and the directors.

Ahana Chugh then passed on the baton to Aarna Malik, who, after presenting an action plan focused on empathy, health, environmental responsibility and community service, shared her team members: Hiren Chaudhary (Vice-president), Niyati Khare (Secretary), and Kavyansh Behl (Treasurer).

It was then time for all the newly appointed Interactors to take the pledge that was administered by  Rtn Rathi: As members of the Interact Club, we solemnly pledge to do our utmost to serve the Club and fulfil its goals. We will actively participate in all its activities and strive to make every initiative successful. While working towards the Club’s objectives, we will uphold integrity and never take unfair advantage of our positions in any way.

The ceremony concluded with a ‘vote of thanks’ to Dr Neha Berlia for joining virtually, Rotarian Anurag Rathi for his leadership, and Mrs Nandita Rathi for her presence. Gratitude was also extended to Dr Kalpana Mukherjee, Mohit Bijori, Mr NN Nayyar and the Principals of the sister schools. Students were encouraged to lead confidently, serve empathetically and uphold service, leadership and compassion.

Overall, the Composite Installation Ceremony emerged as a meaningful celebration of leadership and service, inspiring the young Interactors to act with compassion, purpose and responsibility.