70 Women Artists Shine at ‘Celebrating Together’ Exhibition

In a landmark celebration of women’s artistic expression, the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi and Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, in association with Apeejay Education, Jalandhar, organised the annual art exhibition ‘Celebrating Together – Women Artists of Punjab and Chandigarh’ at the Dr. Stya Paul Art Gallery, Virsa Vihar, Jalandhar. Organised for the first time, the exhibition brought together the works of 70 women artists from Punjab and Chandigarh, offering art lovers a vibrant panorama of contemporary artistic expression.

The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of distinguished personalities from the fields of art, administration, education and industry. Dr. Sucharita Sharma, Director, Apeejay Education, welcomed the Chief Guest, Mr. Aditya S. Warrier, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police (City); Special Guest Mr. Alok Sondhi, Managing Director, PKF; Mr. Swarnjit Singh Savi, President, Punjab Arts Council, eminent poet and renowned artist; Mr. Bhim Malhotra, President, Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi; Mr. Sumeet Dua, President; and Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal, Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sucharita Sharma recalled the enduring vision of Late Dr. Stya Paul, Founder President of Apeejay Education, who was deeply committed to the development and promotion of fine arts. She said his vision was to take art to the masses and create a world where people could understand and appreciate one another’s emotions and stand by each other through happiness and sorrow.

She further highlighted how Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education  , has continued this legacy through her contributions towards preserving, promoting and enriching India’s fine arts. She added that the exhibition reflected Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia’s inspiration, encouragement and visionary approach to nurturing the arts.

The exhibition featured a diverse range of artistic forms, including paintings, sculptures, mixed media, video installations, graphics and hand embroidery. While several works celebrated the splendour of nature, participating artists also explored contemporary issues through sensitive and creative expressions.

A special section showcased works by women artists with disabilities. Dr. Sharma appreciated the creativity and imagination of Rehnuma Rani, Vaishali, Raktima, Pallavi and Sonam Jain, whose works added an inspiring and distinctive dimension to the exhibition.

Mr. Aditya S. Warrier said art and policing may appear to be unconventional companions, but seemingly opposite ideas can come together to create something meaningful. He noted that art enables individuals to create, grow and leave something of themselves behind.

Mr. Swarnjit Singh Savi highlighted art as a powerful medium through which women express emotions and experiences that words may not capture. Mr. Bhim Malhotra appreciated the two academies coming together for the first time and lauded Apeejay Education’s association with the initiative. Mr. Alok Sondhi described the exhibition as an important cultural platform for Punjab, emphasising the need to celebrate artistic traditions and provide artists with spaces where their creative visions can flourish.

Mr. Ravinder Sharma also spoke about the growth of art and the importance of creating greater opportunities for artists.

Dr. Neerja Dhingra expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, participating artists and all stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to the exhibition’s success. She expressed confidence that such initiatives would continue to provide platforms for inspiring, educating and guiding art lovers and the wider community.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors till September 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dr. Sucharita Sharma also appreciated the valuable contributions of Mr. Anil Gupta and Mr. Basudev Biswas. The exhibition stood as a celebration of creativity, diversity and artistic excellence, bringing the voices and visions of women artists together under one roof.