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‘Rangla Punjab celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage through art and creativity
Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar under the joint aegis of Apeejay Education, the North Zone Cultural Centre, and the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi, hosted this event
The three-day live painting workshop, ‘Rangla Punjab’, organised at Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, under the joint aegis of Apeejay Education, the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) and the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi, celebrated Punjab’s rich cultural heritage through the expressive medium of art. Bringing together ten eminent artists from Punjab, the workshop showcased the state’s folk traditions, agricultural legacy, natural beauty, musical heritage and social life through a vibrant collection of paintings.
The inaugural session was graced by Mr. Deepak Bali, Advisor to the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included Mrs. Kamlesh, Programme Officer, NZCC; Mr. Sumit Dua, President, Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi; and Mr. Basudeb Biswas, Vice-President, Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. Sucharita Sharma, Director, Apeejay Education, acknowledged the vision of late Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul and Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairperson, Apeejay Education, Co-Promoter & President, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, and Co-Founder & Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University. She emphasised that their commitment to the fine arts had enabled the institution to bring accomplished artists from diverse disciplines onto a common platform. She appreciated Mr. Deepak Bali’s multifaceted contributions to public life and his genuine admiration for art and culture. She also commended Mr. Sumit Dua’s dedication to bringing artists together despite financial constraints, providing them with a platform to nurture and showcase their creativity.
Sharing his perspective on the theme, Mr. Sumit Dua observed that artists capture the essence of their times through their creations and should infuse their work with emotional depth and positive messages for future generations. He noted that Punjab’s identity encompasses not only its lush green fields, five rivers and natural beauty but also its painful historical memories, all of which deserve expression through art.
The participating artists—Shri Jaspal Singh, Shri Anil Gupta, Smt. Guranjan Pal, Dr. Jeevan Dureja, Dr. Rimpy Aggarwal, Shri Rajesh Kalsi, Dr. Gagan Gambhir, Shri Harinder Bhatti, Smt. Suruchi Sharma and Shri Pawan Kumar—translated their individual interpretations of Punjab into imaginative works on canvas.
Their creations offered a compelling visual narrative of the state. Shri Jaspal Singh portrayed the joy and liveliness of village fairs, while Shri Anil Gupta explored Punjab’s vibrant colours, agricultural landscapes and carefree spirit through abstract expression. Smt. Guranjan Pal captured village life, women fetching water, swings and the harmonious relationship between humans and birds. Dr. Jeevan Dureja celebrated the colourful cultural activities of Punjab’s villages, while Dr. Rimpy Aggarwal’s vision of a ‘Golden Punjab’ highlighted golden fields as the foundation of folk traditions, Giddha and Bhangra.
Shri Rajesh Kalsi explored the historical concept of ‘Maha Punjab’, tracing connections with the Harappan civilisation and regions including Kabul, Kashmir and Haryana. His work highlighted the enduring significance of the ox in agriculture amid technological change. Dr. Gagan Gambhir celebrated Gurdwaras, Phulkari patterns and cultural diversity, while Smt. Suruchi Sharma portrayed Punjab’s prosperity, musical rhythms and textile traditions. Shri Pawan Kumar highlighted folk instruments such as the tumbi and dhol, and Shri Harinder Bhatti placed the Punjabi turban at the heart of his depiction of the state’s cultural identity.
At the valedictory ceremony, Mr. Surinder Singh, Commissioner, Jalandhar Municipal Corporation, presided as Chief Guest, while Mr. Swarnjit Singh ‘Savi’, Chairman, Punjab Arts Council, attended as Guest of Honour. Dr. Sucharita Sharma welcomed the dignitaries, appreciating Mr. Surinder Singh’s dedication to serving Jalandhar and describing Mr. Savi, an alumnus of Apeejay, as an accomplished Punjabi poet, thinker, artist and intellectual.
Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra expressed gratitude to the guests and acknowledged the continuing encouragement of Dr. Stya Paul, Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr. Neha Berlia, Joint Secretary, Apeejay Education, Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya and Svrán Group, who leads the education vertical for Apeejay Education. She also thanked Mr. Sumit Dua and Mrs. Kamlesh, crediting Dr. Sucharita Sharma’s vision and commitment to the fine arts for strengthening the college’s standing as a leading fine arts institution in North India.
During the workshop, the distinguished inaugural guests were felicitated with mementos. Concluding the event, Mr. Sumit Dua thanked the chief guest, special guests and participants, emphasising that initiatives such as ‘Rangla Punjab’ play a vital role in preserving Punjab’s cultural heritage and passing its legacy on to future generations. The workshop emerged as a meaningful celebration of the state’s artistic traditions and a significant platform for connecting its cultural identity with contemporary artistic expression.
