Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar hosts Golden Jubilee Prize Distribution Ceremony

Marking 50 years of legacy,  Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar hosted the Golden Jubilee Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony organised under the patronage of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education. On this day, 281 students who had excelled in academics and extracurricular activities in the Academic Session 2024-25 received honours.

The Prize Distribution Ceremony began by paying homage to martyrs who fell victim to the brutality of terrorists in Pahalgam, and silence was observed while praying for the peace of their souls.

On this day, college’s alumnus Apneet Riyait (IAS), Special Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Punjab, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Dr. Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, presided over the event virtually as Guest of Honour.

The programme was inaugurated by lighting the holy flame to seek divine blessings and by the melodious presentation of bhajans by the students of the Department of Music. Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal, ACFA, warmly and proudly welcomed the Chief Guest, Ms. Apneet Riyait, IAS. In her admiration, she said that seeing our alumni at such high ranks, our hearts fill with pride, and they serve as inspiration and role models for our current students who see the prosperous result of hard work, dedication, and devotion.

Welcoming the guests, Dr. Dhingra highlighted Dr Neha Berlia’s contributions at Apeejay educational institutions with her innovative ideas, understanding of the global world and its requirements, incorporating modern technology in education while preserving the rich legacy of the Founder Chairman, Dr. Stya Paul. She also expressed her gratitude to Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia for her infinite guidance and support, which she wholeheartedly extends all the time. She graciously welcomed Dr. Nirmal Mahajan (BOG) as well.

Dr. Dhingra took the moment to present the Annual Report of Academic Session 2024-25 where she introduced the august gathering to the exceptional achievements of students in academics and extracurricular activities, i.e., cultural activities, sports, Youth Festival, Inter-college, Inter-State Competitions, etc.

The day also witnessed the enlightening address of Dr. Neha Berlia. Addressing the gathering, Dr Neha Berlia saluted the vision of her grandfather Dr. Stya Paul. She said, “It seems as if the soul of India in the form of art resides in Apeejay College. This College is a boon for those who love art, and I believe that all their dreams come true by coming to Kala Mandir.” She admired the continuous support of her mother and Chairman Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia for taking the College to great heights. She also wholeheartedly welcomed the Chief Guest, Ms. Apneet Riyait, IAS.

On this occasion, Khushi Batra, Youth Festival Winner, graced the stage with her soulful performance on shlokas of Mahashiv. Also, the students of the Department of Music enthralled the audience with their captivating presentation of instrumental music based on the theme ‘East meets West.’

The day witnessed Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra and Ms. Apneet felicitating 142 students who had secured top coveted positions in the University and College with medals, certificates, and cash prizes, while 129 students who had performed best in Youth Festival, IT Forum, MAC Forum, SWA, and NSS were also felicitated with certificates and cheques.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest Ms. Apneet Riyait, IAS, first congratulated all the winners and felt proud of them. She remembered her old days when she was a student here two decades ago and expressed her gratitude to Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra for inviting her as Chief Guest at her alma mater, describing it as an unmatched feeling that nothing could replace. About the college, she said that this is a place which gives its students courage to dream and wings to fly.

To students, Ms. Riyait said, “Life does not always move according to our plans, and sometimes, irrespective of our best efforts, failure is all that we get served with. Those are the moments which are the true test of our character, and our reaction and learnings from that define and build us for great heights and achievements.” She also advised the students to always strive to become good human beings, uphold values, spread kindness, live in the moment, and cherish it, rather than getting distracted by social media and the filtered lives of others. She asked them to justify the motto of the college — Soaring high is my nature — and fly higher and touch the skies while staying humble and kind at the same time.

Further, Dr. Sunit Kaur, Head, Department of English, expressed her gratitude to all the students, their parents, and guests for making the programme a success with their energized presence. Lastly, Dr. Dhingra praised the efforts of Dr. Arun Mishra (Cultural Coordinator), Dr. Amita Mishra, Dr. Micky Verma, Dr. Harmik Singh, and programme coordinators — Ms. Meera Aggarwal and Dr. Monika Anand — for their dedication, meticulous planning, and tireless efforts which were instrumental in making the event a seamless and memorable experience for all.