Apeejay’s IB School Class of 2025 soars into the future with pride & promise

Graduation in the International Baccalaureate (IB) marks the culmination of a rigorous, holistic journey, celebrating academic achievement, personal growth, global citizenship, and readiness to face real-world challenges with confidence and integrity. In a memorable celebration filled with emotion, pride, and anticipation for the future, Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, hosted the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Commencing at 5 pm, the ceremony stood as a hallmark event in the IB educational journey, marking the culmination of years of learning and personal growth for students.

The event began with the ceremonial welcome of the esteemed Chief Guest, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education, and Guest of Honour, Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner and Core Board Member of Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University. The young PYP learners greeted them with the traditional tilak and floral bouquets, symbolising warmth and respect.

The occasion was further graced by a distinguished gathering of eminent educationists and dignitaries from the Apeejay family, including Dr VS Garg, Education Advisor, Apeejay Education, and Mr NN Nayyar, Senior Education Officer, Apeejay Education. Also present were Education Officers, Apeejay Education, Mr Bedi, Mr Sharad Tiwari, Ms Anita Paul, and Ms Purnima Vohra along with Mr Vivek Seigel (VP- Corporate Affairs). Principals from sister schools under the Apeejay banner also attended, including Ms Veena Goel (Apeejay School, Pitampura), Ms Vandana Bansal (Vice-principal, Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park), Dr Sujeet Eric Masih (Apeejay School, Saket), Dr. Neha Sharma (Apeejay School, Noida), Ms Sarita Pande (Apeejay School, Greater Noida), and Ms Komal Nathani (School Head, Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, GK-2).

Before the formal proceedings, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr Neha Berlia interacted with the faculty and education officers over high tea, providing a warm, personal touch to the event.

The celebration transitioned to the beautifully adorned auditorium of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, where the atmosphere resonated with the spirit of graduation. Graduation hats, themed decor, and a spirited ambience set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The ceremony began with a formal welcome by ASI facilitators Ms Monika Vasudev and Ms Nitya Kapoor. All guests, including Mr Purshottam Dutt Vashisht, Principal, Apeejay’s IB School, were seen donning graduation robes, adding an authentic touch to the proceedings.

The ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising knowledge and enlightenment, took place. Thereafter, the graduating cohorts from PYP-5, MYP-5, and DP-2 made a proud walk through the auditorium, cheered on by parents and attendees, clad in blue graduation robes.

A stunning Kathak dance performance on the theme of Krishna Leela, performed by six girls and a young Krishna, left the audience captivated with its grace and storytelling. An ongoing video tribute honoured Dr Stya Paul, Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya Group & Apeejay Education, chronicling his visionary journey and immense contributions, further inspiring the audience.

In line with the school’s commitment to sustainability, a ‘green welcome’ was extended to all guests and dignitaries, reflecting Apeejay Education’s values.

Addressing the august gathering, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia expressed, “Graduation day marks the culmination of a very important part of the academic journey. I would like to extend my greetings to the graduating class of 2025, and all the teachers, led by the Principal and the Vice-principal, who have put in so much dedication, hard work, and effort in bringing them to this very special day. It’s also a very special day for our MYP-5 as well as PYP-5 on the completion of their certifications.”

The most important thing today to remember, she said, is both the reason for setting up this school as well as the guiding principle which you should carry throughout your life, that is to choose the deepest potential and highest purpose.

“It is a wonderful new journey as you move to MYP, or from MYP to the exciting IBDP; to achieve success in life, pursue a career of your dreams, and become a leader in the field that you have chosen. The vision was part of our late chairman, which we have taken forward in so very many avenues and paths with the culmination of setting up IB school as Delhi’s first IB continuum school,” Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia said.

She emphasised that over the years, you have experienced the spirit of inquiry, a scientific approach, and finding solutions rather than looking at problems. At Apeejay’s IB school, the endeavour has been to help you use these things to inculcate holistic development.

“We are putting into place a series of IB schools in Mumbai, Noida, and Greater Noida. We are also looking and entering into collaborations with institutions all over the world, not only at the school level but also at the higher education stage, to bring in the best of minds. To ensure a holistic approach in the curriculum, we focus on technology, the changes that are coming, and the pool of knowledge that is constantly changing. We are moving into a world where there is absolutely no doubt that we will be dealing with humanoids,” Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia shared.

“The education that you have received here, I hope, has equipped you, because that has been our goal, to be able to continue to learn as you move towards the school and outside in the colleges that you go to. I had the privilege of witnessing the TOK and VA exhibitions of IBDP and MYP, respectively. I was very emotional, and that is because I felt that the kind of education we had been dreaming of, I saw in action. So my compliments to the principal, the staff, but most of all to our bright young minds here today.

“IB will always have smaller classes, but you’re very fortunate because you receive individual attention. I saw every teacher knew your potential, your purpose, your aspirations, and I could see how passionate the principal, vice principal, and teachers were about each child’s success. We are proud of the graduating class of 2025. Our pride in you will be further potentiated if you are carrying forward the universal human values. We would like to wish you success in all your endeavours as you go through different phases of your life,” Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia stated.

Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia requested the young graduates to rise from their seats and look at their parents, teachers, and well-wishers who have made a difference in their lives. She further made them pledge to continue to make their mentors proud. She concluded her address by reciting the couplet from which the school motto: Soaring High is My Nature. “Tu Shaheen hai parwaz hai kaam tera, tere saamne aasman aur bhi hain” (You are a falcon, Soaring high is your nature. There are skies yet for you to conquer.)

Taking the centrestage, Dr Neha Berlia shared some of her experiences from her days at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, and her journey of going to Stanford University. “Cherish these memories. People come into your life, but school memories are school memories; the joy, the charm, the happiness that you get in school, you just can’t compare that,” she emphasised.

Dr Neha Berlia further shared, “I was fond of cultural activities; I used to be a musician, I played the sarod, the whole journey of sort of staying back, performing, laughing, and doing so many things in school. When I meet my friends today, it feels as if we just graduated yesterday.”

Recalling how she was not very keen to leave India and go to Stanford, Dr Berlia said, “I was fond of being in India. I was so much into Math, and I wanted to go to IIT. But my family pushed me to study abroad, and I am grateful for that. In the first two weeks I spent there, I honestly learnt so much. I had never lived alone. But being with friends, I had such a wonderful experience with them. You learn to make decisions. You have to figure out who you are, how much time you need, for whatever you are doing. These decisions you make for yourself. And that is something you have to learn to discover within yourself.”

A lot of things that we do in life come from how we are, how we collaborate, and the kind of person we are, she shared. “I feel the relationships I have made are not just from education, but you make from the person you are.” Sharing her quest for sports and her keenness to learn music, Dr Berlia added, “Gain a lot of experiences and do not just focus on studies. Do take advantage of all the co-curricular activities your university has to offer. Because you will be surprised how these things come in useful in life. These times don’t come back.”

Reiterating the words of Dr Stya Paul, “It is no disgrace if dreams are unfulfilled, but it is when we have no dreams to dream,” Mr Purshottam Dutt Vashist said, welcoming the guests. “Today, as our fourth batch of diploma students graduates, we reflect on the inspiring vision of our Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul, whose dream of value-based, world-class education continues to guide us. We are honoured to welcome Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, a visionary leader, and Dr Neha Berlia. Your presence, along with our education advisers, principals, and partners, is deeply appreciated,” he said, and added that this year, students engaged in diverse experiences — from debates and STEM to sports and service — nurturing holistic growth.

“I extend heartfelt thanks to our Vice-principal, dedicated teachers, and administrative staff for their unwavering support. To our graduates, you step into a world shaped by AI and rapid change. Success will come through co-evolution: growing with technology while upholding values. Go forth with courage and purpose. The future awaits you,” Mr Vashist said and added” “Go forth with courage; a grand future awaits you.”

The Vice-head Boy, Arahan Chaudhary, and Vice-head Girl, Tani Bansal, then presented the Annual Report, highlighting the academic year’s vibrant achievements. These included major events such as the CAS Conclave, Crux MUN, Kaizen MUN, Spell Bee Competition, Science and Math Olympiads, SFA Championship, Ambassadors’ Meet, Annual Sports Meet, and various exhibitions, excursions, and community outreach programmes. Notable events also included the SAA-CAS Showcase, a science exhibition, visits to Sunder Nursery, and a memorable excursion to Goa.

The highlight of the evening was the conferral of graduation degrees by Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia to the DP-2 graduates who have received offers from:

◉ Anandita Bharadwaj; University of London, Brunel, University of Birmingham, the University of Melbourne, and Krea University, as well as OP Jindal University in India.

◉ Manya Verma; Durham University, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Birmingham, and the University of Manchester.

◉ Nia Meghan Lobo; UC San Diego, Monash University, and the University of Queensland.

◉ Ananya Chandrasekar; wishes to pursue Business Administration from India.

◉ Vaishnavi Chaudhary: University of Wisconsin, UC San Diego, University of Sydney, Shiv Nadar University.

These students have also achieved remarkable scholarship amounts, and their remarkable achievements and contributions were applauded by all in attendance. The school choir, dressed in elegant black and white attire, delivered a heartfelt performance of “This Is Our Time”, filling the hall with emotions and memories.

Mr Nirmal Lobo, father Nia Meghan Lobo, shared, “It’s a bittersweet feeling. Choosing ASI was the best decision; my child received personalised attention. Today’s event was beautifully organized, with emotional and relatable speeches offering valuable insights for students.”

Mr Alok Verma, father of Manya Verma, shared, “What a fantastic event! The Chairperson’s remarks were inspiring, with key takeaways for the students. I’m incredibly proud of my daughter and wish her the very best for the future. It’s a mixed feeling to let her go but above all, it’s pride.”

Mr Anand Bharadwaj, father of Anandita Bharadwaj, mentioned, “I’m thrilled and happy as my daughter has completed an important chapter of her life, with many more ahead. Today’s event was well-organised, and I’m proud of her growth, both through the school’s support and her own hard work. I look forward to her journey. She is all set to pursue psychology.”

The Valedictorian Award was presented to Vaishnavi Chaudhary, while the prestigious Student of the Year Award was awarded to Nia Meghan Lobo, in recognition of her exceptional performance and leadership.

Vaishnavi in her speech, shared, “As the recipient of the Dr Stya Paul Valedictorian 2025 distinction, I am honoured to address you today. Our four transformative years at the school have shaped us from timid outsiders to confident change-makers — debating global issues, designing business models, and engaging deeply in TOK and research. The school nurtured our creativity and instilled values of open-mindedness and empathy through community service and advocacy.

“I owe my achievements to my mother’s unwavering support and my teachers’ guidance. To my friends, thank you for your companionship through every challenge. Finally, we thank Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Dr Neha Berlia, and the entire Apeejay Education for making this journey possible. Frederick Nietzsche wrote in his reflection on the true value of education, and I quote: “No one can build you the bridge on which you and only you must cross the river of life.” Each of us has a purpose only we can fulfill. Taking with us the learnings and experiences from ASI, I’m confident that we, the class of 2025, will accomplish each and every one of our personal goals and shine brightly on the world stage,” she said.

The student of the year, Nia Lobo, mentioned, “We are the class that faced our Class X Boards amid a global pandemic and tackled complex exams during uncertain times. We endured countless late nights, challenging assignments, and unforgettable moments — from classroom debates to secret lunchtime escapes. Though we now say goodbye to these daily routines, we step closer to new beginnings: college life, independence, and endless possibilities.

“We often spoke about it in classrooms, as if saying it aloud would make the day arrive faster — Class of 2025. We joked, dreaded, and reassured each other: “It’s still far away.” But the future is now. Here we are, graduates. It’s a bittersweet goodbye. No more obsessing over work points, sleepless nights, or last-minute rehearsals. No more secret lunchtime trips hoping for a treat, no more tired frustration met with patience, no more complaints or classroom chaos. Yet, we carry these memories with us. Let’s promise to leave behind not just grades, but kindness and hope. As the Class of 2025, we step forward with empathy and excellence,” she stated.

Graduation degrees were also awarded to MYP-5 graduates, Aaditya Nath Mathur and Sumanyu Sethi, acknowledging their readiness for the Diploma Programme. For the PYP-5 graduates, Dr Neha Berlia presented degrees to Aahana Mathur, Aidaan Sengupta, Arisha Gudwani, Arshee Sachdeva, Ayaan Kumar, Diaa Arora, Jaiwardhan Singh, Kiyan Sarna, Meruzhan, Nayantara Sewak, Rajnandini Dubey, Suhina Khetterpal, Suvir Kain, Vedan Sehrawat, and Viraj Punjabi.

A special video titled Down the Memory Lane was showcased in tribute to the DP-2 graduates, evoking fond memories and emotional moments, leaving many teary-eyed.

The evening concluded with a Vote of Thanks extended by the Vice-principal of the school, Ms Neha Sharma. Expressing gratitude, she said: “Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Dr Neha Berlia, and Mr Nishant Berlia, Dr VS Garg and other education advisers, Apeejay education, principals, teachers, parents, and dear students, it is an honour to propose a vote of thanks on the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2025.

“I would also like to thank our team of dedicated facilitators for providing invaluable guidance and working tirelessly for the future. Today is a day of delight, celebrations, and accomplishments—a day where students, no less than a strong fist together, will fly higher to explore new horizons. Heartiest congratulations to each of you, your parents, grandparents, and mentors. Class of 2025, tonight is your night — yours to celebrate, call your own, and remember forever. Not only for the last two years of joy and hard work, but for the wonderful years ahead. Class of 2025, you have done wonders. Your time here at Apeejay’s IB School will be cherished forever and hold a special place in our hearts. As I say goodbye, I urge you to be kind to one another and to new people who come your way. Cherish existing bonds and welcome new connections with warmth,” she said.

A solemn rendition of the National Anthem concluded the event, bringing the grand ceremony to a dignified close.

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