All About Art: Students pay tribute to Smt. Rajeshwari Paul at Kala Utsav

Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park marked the 98^th birth anniversary of Smt. Rajeshwari Paul, the First Lady of the Apeejay Stya Group through Kala Utsav. At the school, students, teachers, staff and parents gathered to rejoice and celebrate the spirit of art and creativity.

The programme commenced with the Guard of Honour by student cadets. They accompanied guests, Mr. Sandeep Singh and Mrs. Jaswinder Kaur Bhui, Members of the Parent-Teacher Association, Ms. Anita Paul, Education Officer at Apeejay Education, School Principal, Mr. Sandeep Singh Kathuria and Vice-Principal, Ms. Shalini Agarwal to the school building. Upon entering the venue, the guests were greeted with tikas, flowers and sweets.

Along with the teachers of the Music Department, students sang melodious ‘bhajans’ marking the beginning of the Kala Utsav. It was followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and ribbon-cutting by guests and parents. 

A separate section of the school was dedicated to showcase students’ artworks. Countless paintings, drawings, sketches were on display as enthusiastic students described each of their paintings to the gathering. Their presentation was accurate and impressive. 

According to Ms. Harveen Chopra, Art Teacher at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, “The students worked very hard for the show. It is their skills, talents and abilities which we have attempted to showcase at the Kala Utsav.” Adding to this, a student says, “The painting I have created and displayed today is inspired by traditional art. It has intricate detailing and a combination of green and red colours.” 

The gathering was then asked to join the students in the school’s auditorium. A special form of ‘Ganesh Vandana’ was presented by student-dancers. Shortly, Principal, Mr. Sandeep Singh Kathuria addressed the gathering. In his speech, he shared a message from President Madam, Sushma Paul Berlia, highlighting the role of beloved Smt. Rajeshwari Paul, a mother figure to the Apeejay Group. 

He mentioned the importance of celebrating her 98^th birth anniversary as she was a beacon of light for all our institutions. He said, “Today we are here to celebrate her spirit of generosity and deep appreciation of Performing Arts and Visual Arts. She was an important personality who facilitated holistic learning and development in our institutions by making arts and culture a part of the curriculum. She displayed unconditional love, elegance, intelligence and kind-heartedness. Among other talents, she was adept at swimming, music and kathak dance and celebrated various forms of art throughout her life in every sphere.”

He further added that Smt. Rajeshwari Paul ji always stood for the promotion of arts when they weren’t valued much in India. Lastly, he wished that students imbibe her spirit of creativity and stay motivated to learn from her experience.

Post his address, students showcased a presentation on the life and values of Smt. Rajeshwari Paul. The video was a sweet remembrance of her aura and personality.

Ms. Anita Paul also shared her thoughts with the audience. She appreciated the school staff, teachers and students for their efforts in putting up a great show. She mentioned how she became part of Apeejay as a young teacher in 1986, and has come a long way since then. 

She said, “Today, as we celebrate and look up to the life and beliefs of Smt. Rajeshwari Paul ji, we must ponder upon her compassionateness. I believe that each one of us, too, has innate goodness which needs to be brought to the forefront. It can only be done through a congenial environment and our own efforts. And so, I encourage all of you to take out some time in your day and self-reflect. Over a period of time, you will see a difference and will eventually get into the habit of bettering yourself. This virtue is as important as any other achievement, and it will help you become a strong individual.”

She also said, “We must inculcate the love and appreciation for Fine Arts, Music, Literature and Dance. Nurture your creative talents and expose yourself to all opportunities provided at school.”

Next, students performed a folk dance from Bengal. The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks. The role of all the students, teachers, artists, Art, Music and Technical department along with that of the school’s Principal and Vice-Principal was highlighted for the success of the event.