Annual Appreciation Day 2025: A grand showcase of talent, values, and vision

Annual Appreciation Day is a significant occasion that celebrates the achievements, talents, and growth of students throughout the year. It provides a platform to showcase their skills, foster confidence, and promote a sense of pride and belonging. The day strengthens the bond between the school, students, and parents, creating cherished memories and inspiring future success. Guided by this ideal and aiming to uplift the spirits of its students, Apeejay School, Noida, celebrated its Annual Appreciation Day with great grandeur and joy on April 26, 2025, in the school auditorium.

Renowned exponent of Kathak and choreographer, Ms Namrata Rai, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. The programme was presided over by Mr Dinesh Rai, Member, Board of Governors (Retd IAS). Present at the occasion were Dr VS Garg, Education Advisor, Apeejay Education and Mr NN Nayyar, Senior Education Officer, Apeejay Education and Mr Sharad Tiwari, Education Officer, Apeejay Education. Also present were Ms Veena Goel, Director, Delhi Apeejay Schools (Principal, Apeejay School, Pitampura) and the alumni Mr Sanjay Singh from the batch of 1992, Cdr Udit Gill (2006 batch), and Mr Shivam Singh (2014 batch), who has just cleared the UPSC exam with a rank of 522.

The day kicked off with a welcome from the beautifully synchronised school band, which created a vibrant and festive atmosphere. As a gesture of respect and warmth, the Guest of Honour was welcomed with a traditional tilak. As the esteemed guests entered the auditorium, they were welcomed by a delightful presentation by the school orchestra, showcasing the musical prowess of the students. The presentation by the students was a beautiful rendition of various musical instruments like the tabla, harmonium, guitars, and even the violin. Playing a medley of songs, the orchestra amazed everyone present.

The august gathering, on behalf of the management, principal, staff, and students, was welcomed to celebrate not just a day but a journey in the life of each student of the school and to acknowledge, appreciate, and applaud the excellence and achievements of every student at Apeejay School, Noida.

Mr Rai was given a green welcome by Dr Neha Sharma, Principal, Apeejay School Noida. A green welcome was accorded to Dr Garg, Mr NN Nayyar and Mr Tiwari by the Principal. The Vice-principal, Ms Amrita Hajela welcomed Ms Goel with a green sapling. The dignitaries were requested to light the ceremonial lamp that symbolised the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of knowledge and wisdom. The celebration was followed by an elegant invocation dance by the students of the middle and senior wings to invoke divine blessings and enrich the spiritual ambience of the occasion.

The esteemed guests were given a formal welcome by Dr Sharma, who said, “It is indeed my proud privilege to welcome you all on behalf of Apeejay School, Noida, on this momentous occasion. I am delighted to welcome our Guest of Honour, Ms Rai, Mr Rai, Dr Garg, Mr Nayyar, Mr Tiwari and Ms Goel.”

“Today, we remember and pay homage to our visionary Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Dr Stya Paul, whose ideals continue to guide us. We remain deeply inspired by Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Mr Nishant Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner and Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University; Mr Aditya Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner and Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, and Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner, Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University. We are also honoured to welcome our distinguished alumni. I would like to take a moment to appreciate and thank all our wonderful parents. Your unwavering support and trust in us are invaluable, and your involvement in your child’s journey means more than words can express,” the Principal said.

Taking centrestage, Ms Rai shared, “Coming from the field of art, I hold a deep respect for the gurukul system, and today, I genuinely feel that Apeejay School, Noida, is no less than a modern-day Gurukul. When I spoke with Dr Sharma, I learnt that the school has 170 dedicated teachers who are shaping brilliant young minds — something we all witnessed during the performances. I believe Annual Day is not merely a celebration but a moment to applaud achievements and inspire students to reach even greater heights. What stands out to me is the strong collaboration between teachers, parents, and students, which is nurturing a brighter generation for our nation. My heartfelt congratulations to all the teachers.”

Speaking at the event, Mr Rai said, “It is my proud privilege to address you today on the occasion of the Annual Day of this prestigious school. Annual Day is a special moment when students and parents come together to celebrate achievements, reflect on progress, and look forward to future success. I firmly believe that character — honesty, kindness, discipline, and responsibility — forms the foundation of true education. Sports, too, play a vital role in developing resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Drawing inspiration from great leaders like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Gautam Buddha, I encourage everyone to take responsibility, stay positive, and keep striving for self-improvement. I congratulate the school, teachers, and parents for their remarkable dedication and success.”

It was then time for the moment everyone had been eagerly awaiting — the presentation of the school’s Annual Report. Dr Sharma took the stage to highlight the school’s remarkable achievements, including accreditation from the British Council for the successful execution of the Recognition of International Dimension in Schools (RIDS) Project 2024–25, and the prestigious No. 1 ranking in the Leaders’ Category for Noida in the Times Now School Ranking 2024. This was followed by a unique multilingual presentation of the report by students in languages such as Sanskrit, German, and French, showcasing the school’s accomplishments on both national and international platforms.

Ms Rai and Mr Rai, accompanied by the Principal, were called upon the stage to give away the certificates and trophies to the students, which also included the Principal Award to students of Pre-primary, primary, middle and senior wings. Ms Rai was also presented with a memento.

The highlight of the event was an amazing dance by the young students. Dressed in colourful attire, they stole the show with their moves. One of the most compelling moments of the evening was a powerful bilingual production titled Her Story: The Eternal She.

The act celebrated the strength, spirit, and resilience of womanhood, weaving together themes of equality, dignity, emotional stability, and empowerment. Through evocative dialogues, poetry, and collective expression, the performance raised critical questions about gender equality, the importance of equal opportunities, and the societal expectations placed on women. With hands held in unity and voices strong and clear, the students delivered a compelling message about breaking barriers, challenging biases, and striving for a future where every girl and boy enjoys equal rights, hope, and joy.

Taking the audience on a journey through renowned women like Princess Diana, Rosa Parks, Florence Nightingale, to Goddess Durga, Jijabai, and Savitri the play showcased the power of women through the ages. The performance left a profound and lasting impact on the audience, perfectly resonating with the evening’s spirit of inspiration and celebration.

It was time for a vote of thanks. A heartfelt gratitude went to Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia for her constant support. A big thank you went to the Guest of Honour, Ms Rai, and dignitaries Mr Rai, Dr Garg, Mr Nayyar, and Mr Tiwari for their gracious presence. A sincere thanks was given to all parents, Principal ma’am, Vice-principal ma’am, teachers, staff, and students, whose dedication made the Annual Day a grand success.

The event culminated with the National Anthem.

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