Guv opens golden jubilee celebrations at Apeejay College

The golden jubilee celebrations of Rajeshwari Kala Sangam and Apeejay College of Fine Arts were set in motion by Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab, this evening.

This occasion was presided over by Sushma Paul Berlia (chairperson, Apeejay Education). She welcomed the Governor by presenting him a bouquet. Students of the college escorted Kataria underneath a phulkari sheet while performing to the beats of bhangra.

The Rajeshwari Kala Mahotsav was also inaugurated and the Governor visited 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 in the morning.

Swarnjit Savi, president of the Punjab Arts Council, Chandigarh, and an alumnus of the college, was present as the chief guest while 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, director of Apeejay Education, and Dr Neerja Dhingra, principal of Apeejay College of Fine Arts, welcomed all guests. Kataria also inaugurated a majestic installation conceptualised by Basudev Biswas, former Head of the Department of Sculpture.

The four-day crafts mela that opened today had craftsmen from various states, including Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, New Delhi, and Kolkata.

Berlia shared the life and struggle of her father and founder chairman Dr Stya Paul. "He made a humble beginning as he was engaged in making buckets. He could not afford electricity and studied under the light of a lantern. He wanted to become a teacher but since he suffered from polio, he was refused a job. But he rose to a level wherein he could set up schools and colleges. Many big figures including ex-PM IK Gujral, maestros and exponents, including Zakir Hussain, Birju Maharaj and Pandit Ravi Shankar, have been the guests on our campus".

A captivating ballet 'Krishnam', based on the life of Lord Krishna, was performed. Dr Neha Berlia, co-owner and director, gave a vote of thanks.