Achievements
Apeejay student shines on the Global Stage at HPAIR Asia Conference
This BA student from Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar
co-authored a policy proposal and represented Indian culture through classical dance.
Students of Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, have consistently brought laurels to the institution through their achievements at the state, national and international levels. Continuing this remarkable tradition, Shobhna Aggarwal, a BA 5th semester student, represented the college at the prestigious HPAIR Asia Conference (HPAIR ACONF) held in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
The international conference was organised at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, the premier educational institution of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the aegis of VinUniversity. Bringing together young leaders and accomplished professionals from diverse backgrounds, the conference provided Shobhna with an opportunity to participate in meaningful global conversations and engage with leading voices from diplomacy, policymaking, international development, business and academia.
A significant highlight of her participation was her selection as one of the top six delegates at the conference. Adding another noteworthy accomplishment to her international experience, Shobhna also co-authored an independent policy proposal titled “Asian Semiconductor Capability Compact.” The proposal reflected her engagement with contemporary policy issues and emerging areas of global importance.
During the conference, Shobhna participated in a range of speaker sessions, executive seminars and round-table discussions, through which she gained valuable perspectives on international affairs and global leadership. She had the opportunity to interact with distinguished personalities, including Ambassador Nguyễn Phương Nga, Vietnam’s former Deputy Foreign Minister and former Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Her interaction with the veteran diplomat offered insights into the complexities of diplomacy, multilateralism and contemporary international relations.
Shobhna also participated in an executive seminar organised by Lesly Goh, Senior Technology Advisor and former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the World Bank Group. The seminar featured in-depth discussions around geopolitics, technology, international development and global leadership, further enriching her understanding of issues shaping the contemporary world.
Beyond intellectual and policy discussions, Shobhna also represented the richness of Indian culture on the international platform. She captivated the audience with a magnificent performance of Indian classical dance, adding a cultural dimension to her participation and showcasing India’s artistic heritage to an international audience.
Reflecting on her experience, Shobhna expressed her desire to continue participating in national and international conferences and representing the younger generation on larger platforms. Her achievement exemplifies the confidence, curiosity and global outlook that students can develop through opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
Congratulating Shobhna on her remarkable accomplishment, Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra expressed hope that she would continue to progress and represent the younger generation, serving as an inspiration to others. She also commended Dr. Navjot Deol, Head of the PG Department of English, for mentoring Shobhna and guiding her towards higher realms of success.
Shobhna’s accomplishment stands as a proud moment for Apeejay College of Fine Arts, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing students who can engage confidently with the world while carrying the values and cultural richness of India with pride.
