MUNDRA: Dr. Priti Adani recently addressed the Silver Jubilee (25th Anniversary) of Adani Public School (APS) in Mundra. The event celebrated the school’s growth from a small vision in 2001 to a cornerstone of education in the Kutch region.
Addressing a packed audience of students, alumni, and distinguished guests, Dr. Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, delivered a moving keynote that charted the school’s evolution from a “quiet dream” into a “temple of learning” for the Kutch region.
She said, on the auspicious occasion of celebrating the silver jubilee of APS, Mundra, let me say… As I stand before you, my heart is deeply full – of memories that have shaped us, full of gratitude for every hand that built this journey and full of pride in what we have become.
Twenty-five years is not merely a milestone; it is a legacy in motion. Personally, APS Mundra has been more than an institution to me. It has been like a first child – born out of a dream, nurtured with care and guided with unwavering faith.
She further said, to build something is an achievement, but to watch it grow, evolve and find its own strength and identity – that is a rare privilege. I must say that I am fortunate to witness this proud moment today.
What we experienced in the last hour and a half was spectacular. I have no words! It is not just a celebration. It is a story. A living, breathing story. A story of this school, of every dream that walked through its doors, of every struggle that found strength here and every success that began quietly in its corridors, she added.
She said, Friends, let me take this opportunity to reflect on our journey – not just as individuals, but as a community…on the wisdom we have gathered, step by step, year after year.
Today, we are a vibrant family of more than 100 dedicated teachers and over 2400 young minds bound together by a shared belief in the power of education. But this journey did not happen overnight. 25 years ago, it began as a simple thought, a quiet dream.
“I came from a medicine background. Education was not my forte but it was my leap of faith. In many ways, this school was a new beginning for me, filled with challenges and uncertainty, but it provided a rare opportunity to make a difference, create an impact.” She added.
And so, friends, here is lesson number one that this institution teaches us: no dream is ever small, and no dream is ever unattainable. Dream… and then, have the courage to make it happen.
She further said, “In those early days, I remember the long drives from Ahmedabad, the endless brainstorming, the notebooks filled with ideas, and the many conversations with people who helped shape this vision. We had designs on paper, dreams in our hearts, and hope in every step we took. It was heartening to see the foundation laid and the work starting on site. ”
“And then, one day, the earth shook. A massive earthquake changed everything around us. Fear was real. Uncertainty was everywhere. It would have been easy to pause, to wait, to delay. But we did not stop. We did not slow down”, She added.
With our small team of A. Nath, Ketanbhai Doshi, Jivanbhai Gadhavi, Niranjan bhai, we stepped up the plans. We gathered the courage to fight against all odds. We got great support from our architects PK Das as well as DAV and CBSE officials, She said adding, We chose to act fast, push and move faster. Much sooner than expected… So, here is lesson number two: have patience, and practice resilience. Do not let the noise of the world, the external factors, dim the light within you.
What began as a humble dream in 2001, today stands tall as a symbol of trust, excellence, and possibilities. This journey would never have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our principals, our teachers, and every member of our support staff, who turned vision into reality, day after day.
Even before she formally became our founding principal, Alka Lokre came to Mundra and connected with the very soul of this place. She met parents and community members to understand the local aspirations.
She had sown the roots, deeper. Chosen for her unique competence, when she took over as principal, she ensured that the DAV philosophy and pedagogy were meaningfully integrated and she handpicked a team of teachers — some of whom – like Rashida Mam, Hitesh Sir, and Vinod Sir – are still with us, Dr Priti Adani said.
Subsequently, Rashmikant Makwana, our long serving Principal, brought with him the mindset of a futurist. He embraced new ways of learning, practiced inclusion, and firmly believed that education must reach each and every child, She added.
“Makwana ji, I still remember our long conversations and brainstorming sessions to bring the best of education policies and pedagogies to the remotest area of the country. So, thank you, sir.
Later – Mr K J Jose added a unique cultural dimension to the school through theatre and plays. He had a deep love for children, and the children adored him! He led with warmth and simplicity and made learning joyful and relatable, She went on to add that “And in the last decade, the school has grown steadily under the able leadership of Mrs. Ami Shah. As Director, she continues to guide with clarity and compassion. And as a promoter, she contributes immensely to transform the education landscape of Mundra.”
She went on to add, “Along with the support of the past principals, director Meetaba Jadeja, who was a motherly figure, and Hemant Sharma, our current principal, Ami Shah has taken Adani Public School to a newer echelon of success with continued dedication and determination. She has ensured a cohesive environment, promoted student centric approach and fair practices.”
With the guidance of Education Head George Thomas and education team at the Head Office, I have seen the school grow rapidly in quantity, quality and reputation.
Friends, what does this mean to you? Am I talking about our journey from chalkboards to changemakers? Perhaps, yes. But more importantly, this brings us to lesson number three.
It takes a village to raise a child. No great institution is ever built by one person alone. Every milestone we celebrate today carries the effort, belief, and contribution of many hearts and hands.
So, remember, victory is always collective. Walk with people who believe in your vision and give them the space to play their part in your journey.
Beyond these names, I humbly acknowledge and appreciate every single person who has contributed to our journey – each effort, seen and unseen, has helped shape who we are today.
We grew. We evolved. And we became the temple of learning in this part of the country. But our greatest pride is not what we built. It is who we built.
Our students. The potential we unlocked. The dreams we manifested.
I feel a deep sense of pride when I see our students living their dream and making a meaningful difference.
In government. In academics. In the navy. In business. In sports. In performing arts.
In various professional services…
Across every field. That, ladies and gentlemen is true widening of horizons.
And to me, this legacy – our legacy – is the greatest achievement of Adani Public School, Mundra.
I also take this opportunity to thank our parents for placing faith in us with what matters the most, your children. In your faith, we find our greatest purpose. You have entrusted us with their futures, and we honour that every single day. To our stakeholders, thank you for your continued partnership and for standing by us at every step of the way. Your unwavering support has been the bedrock of our journey – through triumphs and trials alike.
To our great alumni, thank you for carrying the values of Adani Public School wherever you go and for choosing to a life led with purpose.
She said, And before I conclude, I want to say this to my students. Identify your potential, be true to yourself and your dreams. With persistence and resilience and continuous hard work, strive for excellence and let everything else follow.”
Today, as I travelled 25 years back in the timeline, I feel very nostalgic.My baby has grown, it is time for the baby to fly, under wonderful leadership and practices.
I wish you all the very best.As we celebrate 25 years today,Let us move forward. And hopefully the next 25 years will be remarkable, glorious and will bring wonderful laurels to our Adani Public School, Mundra, She said.
