Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar recently celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship and tradition by organising “Shri,” a grand event marking the Festival of Karva. This event was organised by the Department of Fashion Makeover and NSS (National Service Scheme) Wing. This vibrant event aligned with the college’s “Earn While You Learn” initiative, designed to build students’ confidence and practical skills through hands-on experiences in business and marketing.
Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra expressed that the event was a way to nurture student creativity, foster entrepreneurship, and encourage students to gain real-world experience alongside their studies. She emphasised that earning independently helps students value hard work and finances, making them more resourceful and responsible.
The two-day festival featured over 30 student-run stalls from various departments, offering a diverse range of items, from mehndi and nail art services to designer clothes, jewelry, and cosmetics. Beautifully decorated pooja thalis and accessories attracted significant attention, while the handmade products stall showcased students’ craftsmanship. Food stalls, a popular attraction among students and teachers, added to the festival atmosphere. The mehndi and nail art stalls saw especially high attendance, demonstrating the popularity of these festive activities.
Kritika Pujara studying B Voc (Cosmetology) mentioned, “Our college organised ‘The Karwa Utsav -Shri’ and I am delighted that I represented the nail art and design stall. This event allowed us to showcase our skills and creativity, leading to impressive earnings. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community while highlighting our artistic talents.I am grateful to the college and department for this wonderful opportunity.”
Sharing their thoughts, sisters Vridhi and Priyanshi studying B Voc mentioned, “We had set up the stall of nails and accessories on the grant event ‘Shri’, the Utsav of Karwa organised by our college. Organising a college fest can be an exciting yet challenging experience. This event has built up our confidence and taught us how to confidentially handle customers, and what are the taste of the customers in fashion skills. Our stall has turned out into a great success and we in future again seek for such opportunities. We wholeheartedly thank all our teachers who supported us in every possible way.”
The success of the festival underscored the students’ ability to bring creativity to life and engage the college community through entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Dhingra commended Dr. Monica Anand (Dean of Functions), Dr. Simki Dev (Dean of NSS Wing), and Ms. Meenal Sandhu from the Department of Fashion Makeover for their dedication and exceptional efforts in coordinating this festive event.
“Shri – The Utsav of Karva” not only celebrated culture and tradition but also provided students with an opportunity to develop and display their marketing, sales, and creative skills. This event reinforced Apeejay’s commitment to holistic learning, combining cultural enrichment with practical entrepreneurial experience, which has a lasting impact on student growth.