Remembering the visionary leader Dr Stya Paul on Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Rajeshwari Kala Sangam, Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar 

The second day of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Rajeshwari Kala Sangam and Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, alongside the 6th Rajeshwari Kala Mahotsav, was an extraordinary confluence of artistic brilliance and cultural splendour. The event showcased a spectacular performance from renowned celebrity singer, Padma Shri Malini Awasthi.

The celebrations began with a hawan ceremony, invoking divine blessings for the success of the event. This was followed by the ceremonial plantation of a sapling by Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education accompanied by Dr. Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University. Their presence infused elegance and significance into the event.

In a warm and grand gesture, Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr. Neha Berlia extended a floral welcome to Padma Shri Mrs. Malini Awasthi and Punjab’s esteemed visual artist, Dr. Prem Singh. Dr. Sucharita Sharma, Director, Apeejay Education, and Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal, Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, presented bouquets to the esteemed guests.

Welcoming all dignitaries and legendary artists, Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra paid tribute to the late Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul, who transformed his vision into a beacon of artistic and academic excellence. She also lauded Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia for her dynamic leadership and Dr. Neha Berlia for her progressive approach in blending tradition with modern educational paradigms.

In her address, Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia reminisced about her father’s legacy, emphasising his belief in holistic human development—spiritual, emotional, and intellectual. She encouraged students to embrace integrity, perseverance, and self-discovery, urging them to become the best versions of themselves.

Further extending a warm welcome to the eminent artists, she praised Padma Shri Malini Awasthi for her captivating folk renditions and Dr. Prem Singh for his artistic ingenuity. She also announced that Rajeshwari Kala Mahotsav will now be an annual event, with scholarships introduced for budding artists.

A short film on the life of Dr. Stya Paul was screened, showcasing his relentless pursuit of knowledge and artistic enrichment. The evening featured an enchanting musical performance by National Youth Festival winners—Harsifat, Jasleen, Shivam, Anjali, Ghazal, and Rahul—under the guidance of Dr. Arun Mishra.

A spellbinding Kathak recital by Khushi, a National Youth Festival winner, mesmerized the audience, choreographed by Dr. Micky Verma.

In a moment of prestige, Padma Shri Malini Awasthi and Triennale Awardee Dr. Prem Singh were honored with the Rajeshwari Kala Samman – Lifetime Achievement Award for their invaluable contributions to Performing Arts and Visual Arts. The awards were conferred by Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr. Neha Berlia.

The highlight of the evening was the mesmerising Ghazals and Sufiana Kalams rendered by Padma Shri  Malini Awasthi, an undisputed maestro of Thumri and Kajri. Accompanied by Pandit Ram Kumar Mishra on Tabla and Sh. Dharam Nath Mishra on Harmonium, her performance captivated the audience, leaving them in awe of her musical prowess.

A distinguished disciple of Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Girija Devi, Mrs. Awasthi has mastered Purab Ang Gayaki, carrying forward the rich legacy of Banaras Gharana. Expressing gratitude, she considered it an honor to be felicitated by an institution so deeply rooted in the arts.

In recognition of their contributions, Dr. Sucharita Sharma and Dr. Neerja Dhingra presented Madam Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr. Neha Berlia with a memento, marking this momentous occasion. The grand celebrations concluded with the National Anthem, bringing an end to an evening that will be cherished for years to come.