Cultural bonds strengthened at this school during the Hangeul Day celebration

The event was graced by the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Mr Chang Jae-bok, Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, the Director of Korean Cultural Centre India, Mr Hwang II Yong, and other distinguished members of the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI).

They were warmly greeted at the school entrance with a lively performance by the school band. A student representative sought formal permission from the dignitaries to begin and conclude the ceremony, adding a respectful and traditional touch to the proceedings. A photo session followed on the podium, capturing the moment where Dr Berlia and the Ambassador stood side by side, symbolising the close relations between the two countries.

Different cultures with one shared heart. Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, celebrated the vibrant cultural ties between India and Korea by hosting Hangeul Day on October 8, 2024, to commemorate the creation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, by Sejong the Great in 1443.

This event, which marks the creation of the Korean alphabet, was a grand occasion that brought together dignitaries, students, and faculty to honour the bond between the two nations. The celebration was held in the school’s auditorium with a beautiful blend of Indo-Korean themes decorating the venue.

The event was graced by the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Mr Chang Jae-bok, Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, the Director of Korean Cultural Centre India, Mr Hwang II Yong, and other distinguished members of the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI).

They were warmly greeted at the school entrance with a lively performance by the school band. A student representative sought formal permission from the dignitaries to begin and conclude the ceremony, adding a respectful and traditional touch to the proceedings. A photo session followed on the podium, capturing the moment where Dr Berlia and the Ambassador stood side by side, symbolising the close relations between the two countries.

As the guests proceeded to the auditorium, the student council welcomed them with a traditional greeting – a ceremonial tilak. The event officially began with the ceremonial lamp-lighting, accompanied by a soulful rendition of the Ganesh Vandana by the school choir, creating a serene and auspicious atmosphere. The theme of sustainability was woven into the ceremony, with a special green welcome for the dignitaries, reflecting the school’s commitment to environmental consciousness.

Following this, the National Anthems of both countries were played cementing the cultural exchange. Dr Neha Berlia presented a memento of appreciation to the Korean Ambassador, underscoring the significance of Hangeul Day and its role in fostering cross-cultural understanding. Mehreet Kaur, a student of Class IX, delivered a speech highlighting the importance of Hangeul Day, elaborating on its historical and cultural significance.

Speaking at the event, His Excellency Mr Chang Jae-bok said, “Namaste. Annyeonghaseyo, everyone. I am deeply touched by the warm welcome from the staff and students of Apeejay School as we celebrate the 578th anniversary of Hangeul Day together. Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, was created by King Sejong the Great to simplify the complex writing system, allowing ordinary people to read and write. His compassionate vision remains relevant today, symbolising Korea’s democratic and egalitarian spirit. UNESCO even honours his legacy through a prize for global literacy efforts. Today, we celebrate not just history, but also culture and learning. We have exciting performances lined up, showcasing traditional and modern Korean culture, thanks to the KCCI.”

It is heartening to see the growing interest in the Korean language in India, with many schools and universities now offering courses, he shared. “The rise of K-pop, K-dramas, and K-movies has sparked global interest in Korean culture. Learning Korean can open doors to internships, jobs with top Korean companies like Samsung and LG, study abroad opportunities, and scholarships. I commend Apeejay School for promoting Korean language education and building bridges between Korea and India. Your efforts are shaping the future of our nations’ relations. May your future shine bright with success,” His Excellency said.

The event continued with impressive cultural performances – a mesmerising mask dance performed by the students. It was led by a student adorned in a traditional mask. In contrast, the others wore long Korean skirts and danced gracefully with silver props, creating a visual spectacle that left the audience captivated. The school choir followed with a heartfelt rendition of the Apeejay School song, adding to the emotional resonance of the day.

A standout performance came from members of the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI), who showcased their expertise in Taekwondo. Their routine, which blended Korean martial arts with contemporary music, concluded with a surprise Indian touch as they hummed along to India Waale…

Speaking at the event, Dr Neha Berlia said: “I am delighted to be here on this special occasion of Hangeul Day. I extend a special welcome to the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Mr Chang Jae-bok. I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to the Director of Korean Cultural Centre India, Mr Hwang II Yong, and other distinguished members of KCCI. ”

“Hangeul Day marks an amazing culture of Korea. While I have not yet had the privilege to visit Korea, a friend of mine who recently visited was there sharing their first impression of Seoul with me. ‘A city of almost perfect harmony’, he called it. Young people spend the day discussing limitless innovation and end by walking through timeless markets with their friends and family. Harmony, innovation, timelessness – what an amazing cultural heritage whose core is shared in our Indian soul. This is why Apeejay is so proud of our partnership with KCCI,” Dr Neha Berlia shared.

Together, she added, “We are supporting Korean language classes, organising cultural workshops, tours, and student exchange programmes, especially close to my heart, promoting the practice of Taekwondo.”

“Harmony, innovation, silentness, all in one breath. What an empowering gift from Korea to us. As I conclude, I ask all to reflect on the deeper significance of what written language is across cultures and times. Written words have bridges. Bridges not just between past and present, but also between what we are learning today. This was true when my grandfather, a freedom fighter, wrote letter upon letter, put effort upon effort to open the first of the Apeejay Schools. It is true that Apeejay’s past will be treasured with KCCI for many, many tomorrows to come,” Dr Neha Berlia said.

The cultural extravaganza continued as the KCCI members performed the elegant fan dance, where women dressed in vibrant Korean costumes used fans as props, moving gracefully to traditional Korean music. The modern side of Korean culture was showcased through an electrifying K-pop dance.

Ms Surabhi Joshi, Principal, Apeejay school, Panchsheel Park said, “It is my great honour to welcome Dr Neha Berlia along with His Excellency Mr Chang Jae-bok, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, and Mr Hwang Il Yong, Director, Korean Cultural Centre India. We deeply appreciate your presence in making this Hangeul Day celebration a memorable one. Apeejay School has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Korean Cultural Centre, rooted in our founder, Dr Stya Paul’s belief in Vasudev Kutumbakam — One World, One Family. His legacy continues through the visionary leadership of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education and Dr Neha Berlia, who actively supported today’s event.”

A special gratitude was extended to the Ambassador for his insightful words on the cultural significance of Hangeul, and to KCCI for their invaluable collaboration, which brought today’s rich historical display to life. Special thanks were given to our performers who added a lively dimension to the program, and Education Officer Ms Purnima Vohra for her role in uniting us all.

A heartfelt thank you was also given to the dedicated teachers, staff, and housekeeping team for their hard work behind the scenes. “From meticulous decorations to smooth operations, your commitment ensured the success of today’s event,” Ms Joshi said.

Naysa Sati, a class VII student shared her experience and said, “Being part of this unique day was truly remarkable. I gained valuable insights into Korean culture and learnt how this language can be beneficial. The highlight was the workshop after the event, where I not only learnt about Korea’s history but also had the chance to play traditional Korean musical instruments.”

The day culminated with a vote of thanks followed by a series of workshops that offered students a hands-on experience with Samulnori (a traditional Korean percussion genre), Taekwondo, and K-pop dance. These workshops provided a unique opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of Korean culture and global educational practices.

For more such exciting coverages, visit www.apeejay.news