Dr. Stya Paul, eminent industrialist, educationist, philanthropist and freedom fighter provided the foundation and inspiration for the emergence of the Apeejay Stya Group and the Apeejay Education Society as trusted symbols of quality and excellence in the country’s industrial and educational landscape.

A pioneering entrepreneur with a far-sighted vision of the future, Dr. Stya Paul was instrumental in the rise of the Apeejay Group as one of the biggest industrial houses of independent India and was a leading architect of the country’s emergence as a selfreliant industrial superpower. As Chairman Emeritus, he guided the Apeejay Stya Group, a privately and closely-held leading Indian Industrial and Investment House, to become one of the major corporate houses of the country, with several alliances, collaborations and significant presence in Europe, Middle East and East Asia.

Dr. Stya Paul, fondly called Sethji, recognised the great role that industry could play in providing quality education. Towards this objective, he decided to set up not-for-profit educational institutions across the country where scientific and career-building knowledge could be provided along with inculcation of values and an appreciation of Indian culture, arts and heritage. Starting with a small school in Jalandhar in 1968, all the schools and institutions of higher learning established by him over five decades under the aegis of the Apeejay Education Society have flowered to become symbols of excellence in their various disciplines, moulding the lives and careers of future generations of the country.

The year 2010 also saw the realization of Dr. Stya Paul’s lifetime dream of setting up the Apeejay Stya University – a seat of global learning established to bring about transformation of society through value-based education, man-making and nation-building. His vision of excellence for the University is being carried forward by his daughter and only child, Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, the Co-Founder and Chancellor of the Apeejay Stya University, Chairman, Apeejay Education Society and President, Apeejay Stya & Svrán Group.

During his long and illustrious career, Dr. Stya Paul was actively associated with several social, cultural and professional bodies and held responsible positions reflecting his versatility, leadership and standing in industry and social circles. His philanthropy and generosity knew no bounds, and throughout his life, he helped the physically-handicapped and the needy with financial assistance and educational/vocational opportunities, thus enabling them to join the mainstream. Over the years, numerous awards and accolades were bestowed upon him, in a life richly lived and full of sharing & caring.

A true Karmayogi, Dr. Stya Paul retained his zeal for hard work even in his advanced age and remained keenly involved in the management of the Apeejay institutions well into his nineties. Active till the very end, he departed from this world peacefully on June 7, 2010 while preparing to leave for office. But his life’s work and achievements, and the lasting legacy of excellence that he has left behind, will continue to inspire & guide us in all our endeavours