Jalandhar September 11 (Jaswinder Singh Azad)- In a landmark celebration of women’s artistic expression, the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi and Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, in association with Apeejay Education, Jalandhar, organised the annual art exhibition ‘Celebrating Together – Women Artists of Punjab and Chandigarh’ at the Dr. Stya Paul Art Gallery, Virsa Vihar, Jalandhar. Organised for the first time, the exhibition brings together the creative works of 70 women artists from Punjab and Chandigarh, offering art lovers an inspiring and diverse panorama of contemporary artistic expression.
The exhibition was inaugurated with great enthusiasm in the presence of distinguished guests and eminent personalities from the fields of art, administration, education and industry.
Dr. Sucharita Sharma, Director, Apeejay Education, warmly welcomed the Chief Guest, Mr. Aditya S. Warrier, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police (City); Special Guest Mr. Alok Sondhi, Managing Director, PKF; Mr. Swarnjit Singh Savi, President, Punjab Arts Council, eminent poet and renowned artist; Mr. Bhim Malhotra, President, Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi; Mr. Sumeet Dua, President; and Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal, Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sucharita Sharma recalled the enduring vision of Dr. Stya Paul, Founder President of Apeejay Education, who was deeply sensitive to and committed to the development and promotion of the fine arts. She said that his vision was to take the arts to the masses and create a world where people could understand and appreciate one another’s emotions and stand by each other in times of happiness and sorrow.
She further highlighted that his daughter, Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, President of Apeejay Education and Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, has continued his legacy by making significant contributions towards the preservation, promotion and enrichment of India’s fine arts. She stated that the present exhibition is also a reflection of Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia’s inspiration, encouragement and visionary approach towards supporting and nurturing the arts.
Exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience a rich diversity of artistic forms
Dr. Sucharita Sharma said that the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience a rich diversity of artistic forms, including paintings, sculptures, mixed media, video installations, graphics and hand embroidery. She noted that while several artworks beautifully capture the splendour and diversity of nature, the participating women artists have also sensitively and creatively addressed a range of contemporary issues through their artistic expressions.
A special feature of the exhibition is a dedicated section showcasing the works of women artists with disabilities. Dr. Sucharita Sharma expressed her particular delight at this initiative and appreciated the creativity and imagination displayed by Rehnuma Rani, Vaishali, Raktima, Pallavi and Sonam Jain, whose works add a distinctive and inspiring dimension to the exhibition.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Aditya S. Warrier, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police (City), said, “It is a great pleasure to be here as the Chief Guest. Bringing together art and the world of policing is a fascinating and unconventional combination. Sometimes, seemingly opposite ideas come together to create something new and meaningful. Art allows us to create, grow as individuals, and leave something of ourselves behind.”
Mr. Swarnjit Singh Savi eminent poet and renowned artist, shared his views
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Swarnjit Singh Savi, President, Punjab Arts Council, eminent poet and renowned artist, shared his views on the significance of the exhibition and its contribution towards celebrating and encouraging women’s artistic expression. He said, “We often claim to understand a woman’s mind and soul, but only she truly knows and feels her own story. Through art, she expresses what words cannot—her happiness, pain, struggles and dreams. We must learn to appreciate and understand women and their contributions. I especially appreciate Gargi’s beautiful dance, where her expressions and body language speak directly to the heart.”
Mr. Bhim Malhotra, President, Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, while sharing his thoughts, said, “This is a very special exhibition, and I am extremely happy to see the two academies coming together for the first time, bringing artists from Jalandhar, Chandigarh and Amritsar together through art. I am especially delighted that Apeejay Education is a part of this initiative. I sincerely thank Sucharita Ma’am for her wholehearted dedication. It is wonderful to see artists—young and old, men and women, and specially-abled artists—coming together and being celebrated for their contribution to art.”
Mr. Alok Sondhi, Managing Director, PKF, also expressed his views on the occasion and appreciated the initiative and the coming together of the participating institutions to promote art and artistic talent. He said, “This exhibition provides a much-needed cultural backdrop for Punjab and reminds us that our identity is much more than agriculture. Our rich artistic traditions must continue to be celebrated. Every artist brings a unique world of emotions and ideas to their work, and every colour, line and brushstroke reflects their thought process. By giving artists a platform, we give our cultural dreams a space to grow.”
Mr. Ravinder Sharma spoke about the development and growth of art
Mr. Ravinder Sharma spoke about the development and growth of art and the importance of creating greater opportunities for artists. He emphasised the need to encourage artistic expression and provide artists with platforms that contribute to the enrichment of our cultural landscape.
Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal, Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, extended her heartfelt gratitude to all the distinguished guests, participating artists and everyone associated with the exhibition. She emphasised that the success of such an initiative is made possible through the collective support and contribution of all stakeholders. She expressed her confidence that such meaningful art exhibitions would continue to be organised in the future and would serve as an important platform for inspiring, educating and guiding art lovers and the wider community.
Dr. Neerja Dhingra further informed that the exhibition, which commenced on 11 September 2026, will remain open to art lovers from 11 to 14 September 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Sucharita Sharma also expressed her appreciation for the valuable efforts and contribution of Mr. Anil Gupta and Mr. Basudev Biswas towards making the exhibition a success. The exhibition stands as a celebration of creativity, diversity and artistic excellence, bringing together the voices and visions of women artists from Punjab and Chandigarh and providing art enthusiasts with an opportunity to experience their remarkable works under one roof.