Champions in Spirit: Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar hosts vibrant athletic meet

Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar celebrated its Annual Sports Day with great enthusiasm, vibrant energy, and spirited student participation across all disciplines. The event was graced by Chief Guest Navjot Singh Mahal, while distinguished alumnus and acclaimed actor-singer Gurnam Bhullar attended as the Guest of Honour, making the occasion both prestigious and memorable.

Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra formally welcomed the esteemed dignitaries with floral bouquets and addressed the gathering. She highlighted that the institution, inspired by the visionary principles of late Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul and functioning under the dynamic leadership of Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairperson, Apeejay Education, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, along with Neha Berlia, Co-owner and Director, Family Business Board, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Lead Education Vertical Office Bearer, remains committed to the holistic and multidimensional development of students. She emphasised that the college ensures equal opportunities in academics and sports, nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Dr. Dhingra remarked that every participant is a champion, as participation itself is a significant achievement. She noted that the presence of Mr. Navjot Singh Mahal served as an inspiration for students to imbibe discipline, responsibility, and civic consciousness. Welcoming Gurnam Bhullar back to his alma mater, she described his visit as an inspiring homecoming, applauding his accomplishments in acting and music that continue to motivate young aspirants.

The Annual Athletic Meet featured a wide range of track events, including 100m, 200m, and 400m races, the 4×100m relay, and the three-legged race. Field events such as Shot Put, Long Jump, and Tug of War witnessed enthusiastic participation and healthy competition. The grounds resonated with cheers as students displayed determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

In his address, Mr. Navjot Singh Mahal encouraged students to prioritize good health, balanced nutrition, and mindful use of technology. He stressed that sports cultivate physical vitality, mental resilience, and emotional strength, urging students to channelize their intelligence towards constructive pursuits and responsible civic engagement.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Gurnam Bhullar shared that returning to his alma mater as Guest of Honour was both a privilege and an honour. He extended his best wishes for the institution’s continued growth and enthralled the audience with energetic renditions of his popular Punjabi songs, adding a celebratory spirit to the occasion.

The winners were felicitated with medals by Dr. Dhingra and Mr. Mahal. Diya Talwar received the Best Athlete Award (Girls) for the second consecutive time, while Vaibhav Batra was conferred the Best Athlete Award (Boys). A vibrant Punjabi folk dance performance, prepared under the guidance of Ms. Lovepreet Kaur, further enlivened the event with cultural fervour.

Dr. Dhingra also appreciated the dedicated efforts of Dr. Monica Anand, Mr. Sahil Mahey of the Department of Physical Education, and Event Organizers Dr. Payal Arora and Ms. Rajni Kumar for the seamless execution of the programme. The celebration concluded on a triumphant note, exemplifying perseverance, teamwork, and the true spirit of sportsmanship.