As part of the historic Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar and Rajeshwari Kala Sangam, alongside the 6th Rajeshwari Kala Mahotsav, the grand event offered an extraordinary platform to over 250 students to explore and master 11 diverse art forms through expert-led workshops.
Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education, accompanied by Dr. Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, emphasised the vision behind these workshops – to nurture artistic sensibilities among youth and preserve India’s rich cultural traditions. She reiterated the belief of late Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul, who advocated that art enhances human emotion and empathy.
The workshops featured a stellar lineup of national and internationally acclaimed artists. Padma Shri Vijay Sharma introduced students to Pahari miniature painting, depicting hill festivals and traditions. National awardee Manoj Kumar Chaudhary shared the intricate methods of Madhubani painting, adaptable on both canvas and fabric.
Rajendra Kumar Shyam, a prominent Gond artist, taught how Gond art captures nature and folklore, adapting modern themes. From Odisha, Purna Chandra Ghosh showcased traditional appliqué work, highlighting the textile legacy of the state. Anil Chaitya Vangad, renowned for Warli painting, illustrated the use of geometric shapes to narrate tribal life and mythology.
Suman Pekua of Kolkata trained students in ceramic pottery, blending traditional and modern techniques, while Hirabhai Tejasibhai, the 18th-generation Kharad weaver from Kutch, taught the weaving of woolen carpets inspired by desert motifs. Odisha’s Rana Chandra Sahoo demonstrated Pattachitra and palm leaf engraving, weaving mythological tales through visuals.
From Punjab, Shammi Lal and Balbir Singh, experts in wood inlay and carving, educated students on Hoshiarpur’s 250-year-old heritage, and Ms. Aadya Jain, an alumna of ACFA, reintroduced the traditional craft of hand block printing.
Winners in fine art competitions included Jaskirat Kaur (Miniature Painting – ₹5000), Gurmehak Kaur (Gond Art – ₹3000), and Aashi Sharma (Inlay Work – ₹2000). Several students from ACFA and other institutions received consolation prizes across various art forms.
The final day of the celebrations was dedicated to Indian Classical and Semi-Classical Singing competitions, judged by luminaries like Prof. C.L. Verma, Ustad Danish Aslam, and Dr. Anadi Mishra. In Classical Vocal, Padmakar Kashyap won ₹10,000, and Palashpriya Das bagged ₹5000. In the Semi-Classical, Shivam Chauhan secured the top spot.
The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by Rtd. Major General Balwinder Singh, President of INTACH, as Chief Guest. Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra credited Dr. Sucharita Sharma, Director, Apeejay Education, for the event’s monumental success, while Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia announced that the festival would now be an annual event, inviting global artists to inspire budding talents.
The celebrations were a vibrant blend of legacy, learning, and artistic excellence—truly a golden chapter in ACFA’s journey.