Jalandhar April 2 (Jaswinder Singh Azad)- The grand opening of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Rajeshwari Kala Sangam and Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, along with the inauguration of the 6th Rajeshwari Kala Mahotsav, showcased the splendor and grandeur of art at its finest.
The event was graced by His Excellency Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab, who honored the occasion as the Chief Guest. His esteemed presence added significance and elegance to this historic celebration.
This momentous occasion was presided over by esteemed Madam Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia (Chairperson, Apeejay Education; Chairperson, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group; Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University) and Dr. Neha Berlia (Co-owner and Director (Family Business Board) – Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Lead – Education Vertical, Apeejay Education, Pro-Chancellor – Apeejay Stya University).
Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr. Neha Berlia welcomed His Excellency Shri Gulab Chand Kataria by presenting him with a bouquet. The students of the college welcomed Mr. Kataria with cultural songs and Giddha, the traditional folk dance of Punjab.
Hon’ble Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Madam Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, and Madam Dr. Neha Berlia inaugurated the 6th Rajeshwari Kala Mahotsav and Golden Jubilee Celebrations of ACFA and RKS.
On the auspicious occasion of the Golden Jubilee, special and unique workshops on vanishing art forms such as Warli Art, Gond Art, Miniature Painting, Madhubani Painting, Kharar Weaving, Pipli, Pottery, Terracotta, Sculpture, Block Printing, Wood Carving, and Wood Inlay were inaugurated in the morning.
During this inauguration, Mr. Swarnjit Savi, President of Punjab Arts Council, Chandigarh, and an alumnus of the college, was present as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Vijay Sharma, a Pahari miniature artist, art historian, and recipient of the Padma Shri award, was present as the Guest of Honour.
Dr. Sucharita Sharma and Dr. Neerja Dhingra welcomed both distinguished guests
Dr. Sucharita Sharma, Director of Apeejay Education, Jalandhar, and Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal of Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, welcomed both distinguished guests with great fervor and praised them for their contributions to the field of art.
Mr. Swarnjit Savi, a renowned poet, sculptor, painter, and writer, said, “Literature and Art are so powerful that they can bring change and create a positive outlook on life.” Mr. Vijay Sharma emphasized the importance of reviving endangered art forms.
His Excellency Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, and Dr. Neha Berlia inaugurated a majestic installation conceptualized by Mr. Basudev Biswas, Former Head of the Department of Sculpture, symbolizing the journey of Rajeshwari Kala Sangam (RKS) and Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA). This remarkable piece of art vividly encapsulates the institutions’ legacy of creativity and innovation.
His Excellency also visited the unique Art and Craft Mela, where craftsmen from various states, including Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, New Delhi, and Kolkata, had set up stalls. He thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition and remarked, “Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr. Neha Berlia have created a mini-India under one roof.” During his campus tour, His Excellency also visited the “Art Gallery” of the College, where student, faculty, and visiting artists’ works were showcased. He praised the students for their innovation, talent, and creativity, describing the art as a vast ocean where different rivers have merged together.
He planted a sapling as a symbol of the continuous growth and development of the College and extended his blessings to Madam Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia.
Madam Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia dedicated the Rajeshwari Stya Auditorium to her worthy parents
In the presence of distinguished guests, Madam Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia dedicated the Rajeshwari Stya Auditorium to her worthy parents – Dr. Stya Paul Ji and Rajeshwari Paul Ji.
The cultural event commenced with the lighting of the holy flame and the recitation of sacred Sanskrit verses seeking divine blessings. The students of the Department of Music performed a melodious and beautiful rendition of ‘Mangal Geet’ to welcome the guests.
Dr. Sucharita Sharma, Director of Apeejay Education, welcomed the Honorable Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and said, “The presence of a dutiful, far-sighted, determined, energetic, and experienced politician like you at the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations has added grace to this occasion. Our students are fortunate to witness your presence, listen to you, and draw inspiration from you.”
She also expressed her gratitude and joy at the presence of Esteemed Madam Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr. Neha Berlia. In her welcome address, she said, “With great fervor and dedication, you are carrying forward the rich legacy of Dr. Stya Paul Ji, as are our young leaders – Mr. Nishant Berlia, Mr. Aditya Berlia, and Dr. Neha Berlia.” She also shared with the distinguished gathering the history of Rajeshwari Kala Sangam, established by Dr. Stya Paul Ji, and saluted his visionary and innovative spirit in setting up this cradle of art and creativity.
A short film inspired by the life of Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul Ji
On this momentous occasion, a short film inspired by the life of Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul Ji, who was the foundation, inspiration, and reason for these Golden Jubilee Celebrations, was screened. The film depicted key moments from his life, his vision, and his true nature as a ‘Karamyogi.’
Esteemed Madam Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia addressed the gathering, first welcoming the Hon’ble Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and admiring his humility and love for art. Reflecting on Founder Chairman and her father, Dr. Stya Paul Ji, she said, “He was a visionary who conceptualized the idea of establishing a unique institution in Jalandhar that would provide a holistic education, nurture fine arts, and preserve India’s rich heritage.”
She emphasized that Dr. Stya Paul Ji, with his foresight and intellect, established a premier institution like Apeejay five decades ago to cultivate sensitivity, culture, and artistic appreciation among the younger generation.
Madam Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia further stated that, to uphold Dr. Stya Paul Ji’s vision, internationally renowned experts are invited to the Rajeshwari Kala Mahotsav to ensure that youth remain connected to their traditions. Astonished by the beauty of the college’s craft fair, she remarked that blending tradition with modernity enhances its divinity.
As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, a captivating dance drama, ‘Krishnam,’ based on the life of Lord Krishna, was performed, inspiring the audience with spirituality.
The event also featured the release of the Apeejay Stya Art Archive Catalogue by Hon’ble Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, and Dr. Neha Berlia.
Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr. Neha Berlia honored the Hon’ble Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria with a memento as a token of remembrance and gratitude.
His Excellency Shri Gulab Chand Kataria addressed the gathering, stating, “Apeejay College stands as a prime example of how one person’s sacrifice, dedication, grit, strong willpower, and vision can pave the way for success and provide a thriving platform for art and culture.”
He congratulated everyone on this momentous occasion and expressed his joy at being part of the celebrations. The program concluded with the National Anthem.