Institution with a Humane Touch
After a brief stint in journalism and publishing, I decided to take a plunge into teaching –a calling which is quite close to my heart. Soon I got an exciting opportunity to serve Apeejay School of Management in New Delhi. I instantly liked the B-school which had a majestic brick colour building with temple-like serenity. Very few private institutions have such wide corridors and verandas as well as comfortable staircases. Ample open space at the campus provided opportunities for socialization and random interactions outside the classrooms, labs and libraries.
Physical ambience of the institute matches the ethos of Apeejay Education revolving around man-making and nation-building which inspire the faculty members to nurture graduates ‘who can win the hearts and minds of others, put service before self, and retain their humility and values even as they soar high …….and conquer the world’ (https://bit.ly/2Wa563P). What makes Apeejay Education different is its commitment to ‘create a global educational community of conscientious individuals who have developed their intellectual, artistic and professional talents to the highest degree, and who have an exalted sense of purpose in their lives, inspiring all around them to transcend barriers, overcome odds and work in unison to bring about positive change in society’(https://bit.ly/2Wa563P).
Unwavering ethos of Apeejay Education has indeed made a lasting impact on faculty, staff and students who are always willing to help each other in times of crises and collectively celebrate every small or big accomplishment. Even today, I am filled with gratitude to recount how Prof Alok Saklani, the then director of Apeejay School of Management arrived at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital soon after seeing my entire family on TV just after the serial bomb blasts on the fateful day of 13 September 2008. It was difficult to imagine someone would rush to the hospital disregarding the possible threat to life when Delhi had witnessed five blasts injuring and killing several hundred people. Soon, two more faculty members came to see my family. As the words spread through the TV, many students also came by and stayed with us till late at night. For next few days, the faculty, staff and students supported my family to recover from the hurt –both physical and emotional. I also received a signed letter from Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, President, Apeejay Education Society, wishing an early recovery and promising all help to restore wellness.
Thus, I realized that the ethos of Apeejay Education is not limited to words on the wall but a living monument of the inspiring vision of its founder chairman Late Dr Stya Paul –a karmayogi who dedicated his life to create institutions that truly care for human values. Carrying forward the legacy of the founder chairman, Mrs Berlia kept the morale of the members of Apeejay Education high by way of regular virtual interactions and motherly advice about how to beat the corona virus during the peak of Covid-19 pandemic. She ensured that all the members of the extended family remain safe and in case of affliction, all support is provided at the earliest. Even the Apeejay alumni were at the fore front in providing relief to the needy during the pandemic. No doubt, in a highly competitive and materialistic world, an institution like Apeejay School of Management provides a sense of hope and assurance that corporate success can be pursued along with human values.
Srirang K Jha teaches Indian Ethos and Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Corporate Strategy at Apeejay School of Management, New Delhi. He can be reached at jha.srirang@gmail.com. Views expressed in the article are that of the author.