Fifty years ago, a visionary dream gave rise to Rajeshwari Kala Sangam and Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar—centres of creativity and cultural pride. Therefore, marking the 50 glorious years of excellence, Apeejay family organised the 6th Rajeshwari Kala Mahotsav, a grand festival dedicated to Indian arts, crafts, music, and dance.
For Assistant Professor Basudeb Biswas from the Department of Sculpture, the celebration has been deeply personal as he created an installation ‘Golden Legacy’ dedicated to the efforts of all those who have contributed to the growth of this institution. “This installation has been more than a sculpture—it’s a tribute to Apeejay’s incredible journey, its people, and the vision that continues to guide it forward,” says the Apeejay faculty.
He further highlights, “The installation represented the solid foundation on which Apeejay was built—the commitment, leadership, and values upheld by the Chairman and every individual who has been part of this remarkable journey. It is a symbol of strength, rooted in purpose.”
In this interview, the Assistant Professor explains the idea behind ‘Golden Legacy’ and more. Read edited excerpts:
How do you feel about creating this as part of Apeejay’s Golden Jubilee celebrations?
It has truly been an honour to create the ‘Golden Legacy’ as part of Apeejay’s Golden Jubilee celebration. To contribute something meaningful and lasting to such a historic milestone fills me with pride. This installation is not just a sculpture, it’s a marker of fifty incredible years, and I hope it continues to inspire many more to come.
Share the idea behind this installation—how did you plan it?
The idea behind ‘Golden Legacy’ was to create a visual narrative that celebrates the journey of Apeejay, its foundation, its people, and its aspirations. The central pillar symbolises the institution’s strong roots and the unwavering support of its leadership. Surrounding it, the flowers represent the diversity of talent and thought that has blossomed within the Apeejay community over the years. At the top, the cosmos and the bird with spread wings reflect the boundless potential of the future and the institution’s motto- “Soaring high is my nature.” The planning process began with this core concept, and every element was designed to echo a part of this story.
How long did it take to create the entire installation? How did you plan the colour combination?
The installation took about a month to complete and was a full team effort. I worked closely with a welder, two dedicated helpers, and several others who contributed their skills throughout the process. When it came to the colour palette, I wanted to stay true to the idea of “golden legacy.” Gold remained the primary tone to reflect timelessness and celebration. To balance it, I introduced subtle touches of colour in metallic tones, enough to add vibrancy without overpowering the elegance of the golden base.