Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg’s Teacher Bags Punjab State Lalit Kala Akademi Award

With over three decades of experience in the world of art, Mr. Pawan Kumar, Head of the Department of Fine Arts at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, Jalandhar, is a name that resonates deeply in creative and academic circles alike. An accomplished artist, passionate educator, and prolific painter, he recently clinched the Punjab State Lalit Kala Akademi Award for his soulful artwork titled Soul Meeting. 

Competing against more than 5,000 participants, Mr. Kumar’s victory is not only a personal milestone but also a moment of immense pride for the entire Apeejay community. In a candid telephonic conversation, he reflected on his journey, his inspiration behind the winning piece, and the powerful role educators play in nurturing the next generation of artists.

Congratulations on the award, sir! How did it feel to be chosen among 5,000 participants?

Thank you so much! It felt incredible. I’ve been working consistently for many years. While I had earlier received awards from the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi and some national recognitions, this particular award for Soul Meeting was special because of the intense competition. Being selected from among 5,000 talented artists is a humbling and joyous experience.

What inspired the painting Soul Meeting?

The painting is rooted in fantasy and deeply influenced by my memories of village life. It features a boat floating on a peaceful pond – symbolising the human soul and its inner emotional world. The piece is about how souls connect, even without words. I titled it Soul Meeting to reflect the convergence of unseen feelings and thoughts that dwell within us.

What materials did you use and how long did it take to complete the artwork?

I used acrylic on Canson paper, which isn’t easy to manage – it demands multiple layers and a lot of patience. I worked for about a week on this, mostly during the late hours. After returning from school, I would sip tea and then head to my studio, often painting till 2 or 3 AM.

What advice do you give to budding student artists?

Start with what you know. Choose one phase or aspect of your life – your friendships, travel memories, or school moments—and create a series around it. Also, learn the basics. Understand composition, balance, visual appeal, and how colours interact. Keep observing the world around you – it fuels creativity.

You’ve exhibited in India and abroad. Any unforgettable memory from those shows?

Definitely! My London solo show stands out. On the last day, I was disappointed thinking no work had sold, but then my curator told me all 45 paintings had been sold on the first day itself. They had simply marked the show as ‘Not for Sale’. That shock turned into one of my most treasured memories.

What drives you to continue creating art and teaching, year after year?

The love for art keeps me going. As an artist and educator, nothing matches the joy of watching students play with colours and discover their unique voice. I tell them, “Even if the heart fails, let the art never fail.” Every student has an artist hidden inside. My job is to help bring that artist out.