Educating young minds about the endangered folk art 

Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, recently hosted a three-day workshop and exhibition on “Folk Art: Sainchi Phulkari,” in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The event aimed to educate students about the endangered folk art of Sainchi Phulkari and encourage its preservation. Dr. Sudhakar Sharma, former Secretary of Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Manmeet Kaur, an alumna and esteemed artist, served as the Resource Speaker. Major General Balwinder Singh, convener of INTACH Punjab State, also attended as a special guest.

Dr. Sucharita Sharma, Director of Apeejay Education, Jalandhar, warmly welcomed the guests and emphasised the college’s dedication to preserving and promoting fine arts and folk arts, inspired by the vision of Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul ji. She highlighted, “The  objective of the workshop is to introduce students to the rich heritage of Sainchi Phulkari and motivate them to contribute to its preservation.”

Subsequently, Dr. Manmeet Kaur, the Resource Speaker, provided a detailed insight into the history and significance of Sainchi Phulkari, which originates from East Punjab. She explained that this 125-year-old folk art form depicts the daily routines of village life through intricate embroidery, often featuring local birds, animals, and insects. Dr. Kaur also emphasised that Sainchi Phulkari embodies all elements of fine arts, including composition, signs, symbols, and drawing, making it a powerful medium for expressing contemporary social life and moral values.

Following Dr Kaur, Dr. Sudhakar Sharma, the Chief Guest, addressed the gathering while praising the college’s efforts to reconnect the younger generation with their cultural heritage through such workshops. He stressed the importance of preserving folk art, which is gradually disappearing from mainstream culture. Major General Balwinder Singh echoed these sentiments, stating that INTACH’s mission is to preserve heritage and pass it on to future generations, a goal that Apeejay College has consistently championed.

During the event, Jahnvi Mehta, a student of BFA Semester 8, was honored for winning the Award of Excellence in Graphic Design Technology at the World Skills Competition in Lyon 2024.

Lastly, the workshop concluded with Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal of ACFA, expressing her gratitude for all attendees, particularly the Chief Guest, Resource Speaker, and INTACH representatives. She also commended the efforts of the faculty, especially Ms. Rajni Gupta, Ms. Rajni Kumar, Dr. Gagan Gambhir, and Mr. Rajesh Kalsi, for organizing the workshop and providing students with this valuable learning opportunity. Dr. Dhingra reaffirmed the college’s commitment to preserving the traditions and values instilled by its founders, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of fine and folk arts continues to thrive.