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Discussing real education and childhood with Kailash Satyarthi
This was a gathering of like-minded individuals who believe in nurturing childhood with quality education. The Apeejay Stya & Svran Dr Stya Paul
Memorial Lecture 2018 was organised at Apeejay School, Sheikh Sarai, recently, and the occasion was graced by Kailash Satyarthi. At the event, the Nobel Peace laureate commended the work of Dr Stya Paul, founder chairman, Apeejay Education Society, being carried forward by his only child, Sushma Paul Berlia, and the next generation.
Kailash Satyarthi was delighted to share that his son and daughter as well as their respective spouses studied at Apeejay Schools. He lauded the value-based quality education they received at Apeejay.
Sushma Paul Berlia, co-promoter and president, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, said, “We remember Dr Stya Paul not only as my father and founder chairman of the Apeejay Education Society, but also as someone who left his footprints in the hearts and minds of countless people. That, too, not only as someone who achieved a lot in business and in contributing to society but as someone who never compromised on core human values!”
Satyarthi made a passionate plea to all for thinking about every child of the country as their own and to strive for their safety and security. “I refuse to accept that any child is born to work at the cost of childhood.”
He recounted how under his aegis, Bachpan Bachao Andolan has rescued over 87,000 children from the scourge of bondage, trafficking and exploitative labour over the last four decades.
Apeejay Stya & Svran Dr Stya Paul Memorial Lecture series is a tribute to Dr Stya Paul and the values he stood for. He is fondly remembered “as a visionary, industrialist, educationist, freedom fighter and philanthropist” besides being the founder chairman of the Apeejay Education Society.
The memorial lecture was also graced by Aditya Berlia and Neha Berlia, grandchildren of Dr Stya Paul, and co-promoters of the Apeejay Stya & Svran Group. The august gathering also included industry stalwarts, bureaucrats, diplomats and noted academicians.
Espousing the cause of education for all, Satyarthi said, “Investment in education is the best investment a country can make.”