An evening that cast magic on stage

The stage, a canvas of student artistry, came alive with vibrant hues of beautiful art and craft, a testament to the creativity nurtured within the Apeejay International School, Greater Noida, on its Annual Appreciation Day. Parents and esteemed guests eagerly awaited the unfolding of the evening’s magic; their anticipation was palpable.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Mr Dhirendra Singh, Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly; the guest of Honour, Mr Saad Miya Khan, DCP, Gautam Buddh Nagar; Mrs Umang Sarin, poetess, story writer, author, lyricist, and awardee, CTI Delhi Government, who was the Special Invitee. Also present was Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay. The event was also graced by Mr NN Nayyar, Education Officer, Apeejay Education.

The event commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, a timeless tradition that symbolises the victory of knowledge and wisdom over darkness. This heartwarming gesture was followed by the gifting of planters along with a token of love to the guests celebrating growth and sustainability. This ceremony underscored the shared commitment to nurturing a greener, healthier future for generations to come.

With the captivating theme Rajsutram-The Blueprint of Leadership, the event symbolised the timeless teachings and learnings that inspire us to lead and grow, shaping a path of wisdom and success.

Decked in alluring and exquisite attire, the children stood ready, their bright eyes shimmering with excitement and confidence while their performances promised to enthral, delight, and leave the audience in awe. What was going to unfold was not just a celebration but a heartfelt showcase of talent, dedication, and the spirit of learning that defines the Apeejay School ethos.

The spirit of the event was commenced by the school choir setting the tone for the evening with a soul-stirring rendition of Swagatam, a melodious tribute crafted to extend the warmest of welcomes to the esteemed guests, enveloping them in an ambience of grace and hospitality.

Speaking at the function, the Chief Guest thanked the whole fraternity of Apeejay Education for imprinting the future generation of this country with the pinnacle of wisdom and enlightenment. “In this modern day and age, the principal and teachers of this school have fostered excellent culture and values amongst students. He further emphasised the importance of sacred legendary writings like The Ramayan, Eklavya and Arth Shastra by Chanakya which highlights the values of sacrifice, brotherhood and deference.

Mr Singh further added certain valuable lessons that the great epic imparts, “The Ramayan teaches students the importance of respecting elders, maintaining integrity, and standing up for justice, even in the face of adversity. It also emphasizes the power of teamwork, as seen in the unity and courage of Lord Rama’s allies in overcoming challenges. By studying the Ramayana, students learn the value of perseverance, self-discipline, and the importance of making choices guided by ethics and moral values, paving the way for a life of character and purpose,” he shared

Next to join a similar sentiment was special invitee, Mrs Sarin who took the podium to express a few self-created renditions that motivated the students, “Mere desh ke pyaare baccho, Apeejay School ke pyaare baccho, mere desh kaa tum guroor, tumse sooraj ki abha hai… tum chanda kaa noor ho… honge moti heere jahan mai, tum jaisa par koi nahi… jisko paana kuber bhi chahe..tum woh kohinoor ho….”

She concluded her speech by thanking the Apeejay Education family who put up such a grand show and persuaded the students to keep up with the incredible efforts in all walks of life.

Air Marshall Padma presented a small yet powerful Sanskrit verse towards Mother India – Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargadapi Gariyasi to invoke a feeling of patriotism in one and all.

Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter of Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University shared a special message for the school and guests, “I am delighted to connect today with all of you on this very special occasion of the Annual Appreciation Day of Apeejay School, Greater Noida. I extend a warm welcome to our esteemed guests who took out time from their extremely busy schedule to be with us here today. I would like to welcome other distinguished guests and members of the extended Apeejay Stya family including students, teachers, parents and alumni who have joined us today.

“Apeejay School, Greater Noida comes under the aegis of Apeejay Education. The vision of Apeejay Education is to usher in value-based and competency-based holistic education that covers all domains of human learning. Education rooted in Indian culture has been the hallmark of Apeejay Education. Resilience under adversity quotient is a broad spectrum of human values that are blended seamlessly into the curriculum,” Dr Neha Berlia said.

On the other hand arts, music, sports, theatre, yoga and meditation are also synergised with the curriculum, Dr Neha Berlia added.

“Apeejay Education is a social commitment of Dr Stya Paul, the eminent educationist, industrialist and freedom fighter, His illustrious journey is carried forward under the chairmanship of his daughter and my mother Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education who has made an outstanding contribution towards education industry and society at large. The inculcation of human values is the cornerstone of all our institutions. The overarching goal is to bring about harmony in the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development of the students. I congratulate all those who have got prizes today and to those who have not, I would like to say that never give up on your dreams and soar it up with your determination,” Dr Neha Berlia shared and concluded her address with the words of Swami Vivekananda: ‘Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is achieved’.

Mr Nayyar emphasised the communication channel that is always open between the parents, teachers and students at the school. “I commend the exponential growth of the students of this school which is presented in the school report read by the principal. I humbly request the parents to be the ambassadors of this school by supporting us in every dimension,” he said.

The school principal, Dr Sarita Pandey spoke about the school’s high point features like coffee sessions, extracurricular activities and sports facilities that are culminated into the curriculum to help students soar higher in all fields and read out the Annual Report of the school.

The award ceremony was a highlight of the evening, dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the remarkable achievements of the talented students. It was a moment to honour their unwavering hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Each accolade served as a testament to their commitment to excellence, whether in academics, sports, or extracurricular pursuits. The ceremony not only recognised their accomplishments but also inspired others to strive for greatness, reinforcing the values of perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.

Then came the moment everyone had been eagerly awaiting arrived — mesmerising performances that captivated and entertained the audience. The event continued to awe the audience with a series of captivating performances that left everyone present spellbound.

The dance performance dedicated to Lord Shiva was a mesmerising tribute to the divine, blending grace, strength, and spirituality. The performers gracefully embodied the serene yet powerful essence of Lord Shiva through intricate movements, synchronised expressions, and soulful storytelling.

Next in line were the tiny tots who with their joyful energy, lit up the stage with delightful Western dance routines that were both charming and spirited. Following this, a unique yoga and dance fusion inspired audiences with the numerous benefits of yoga for a healthier life.

The students mesmerised the audience with a graceful dance performance that creatively highlighted the benefits of yoga. Incorporating unique resistance bands into their performance, they added a dynamic and visually striking element to the presentation. This innovative blend of yoga and dance not only promoted physical and mental well-being but also left the guests in awe, making for an unforgettable spectacle.

The school choir then delivered a deeply introspective and thought-provoking rendition of Tamso Maa Jyotirgamaya. This powerful song, meaning Lead Us from Darkness to Light, served as a symbolic journey from ignorance to enlightenment. The soulful melodies and harmonious vocals of the choir captured the essence of seeking knowledge, wisdom, and clarity.

The grand finale brought the event to a magnificent conclusion, delivering a dazzling musical drama that mesmerised the audience, celebrating the boundless spirit of talent, creativity, and cultural heritage. These captivating performances served as a fitting tribute to the timeless legacy of Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya, showcasing their profound teachings of wisdom, leadership, and resilience.

The musical drama transported the audience to the era of ancient India, narrating the riveting legend of Chanakya. The performance depicted the profound story of how Chanakya, after being belittled by King Dhana Nanda, discovered and mentored Chandragupta Maurya.

Through compelling storytelling, it showcased Chandragupta’s transformation into a formidable warrior, culminating in a dramatic war where he triumphed over Nanda. This victory not only marked the fall of tyranny but also ushered in justice and peace across the kingdom, leaving the audience inspired by the timeless tale of resilience, wisdom, and the triumph of righteousness.

Finally, a vote of thanks was delivered by the Principal with a promise to be back again next year with a grander and exuberant show.

The event ended with the school students singing the National Anthem culminating the end of a successful Annual Appreciation Day at Apeejay International School, Greater Noida.

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