Jalandhar: Empowering young minds through painting, photography

“A lifetime is not enough for painting,” says Harinder Singh Bhatti, head of the Fine Arts Department at Army Public School (APS), Jalandhar Cantt. With this powerful sentiment, he sums up his deep passion for art — one that has shaped his journey for nearly three decades.

Harinder comes from a family with strong military roots. His father retired from the Army, and many members of his extended family also served in the defence forces. However, he chose a different path — fine arts. “But, I am still serving in the Army in my own way. My father is proud of me,” he says. “The day I joined Army Public School in 1997, I knew this was where I belonged. I dedicated myself to nurturing the creativity of students.”

“I recently received the Honorary Doctorate Award by World Culture and Environment Protection Commission, New Delhi,” he said.

His love and dedication towards art began in Class X, when he decided to pursue painting seriously. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Fine Arts as well as in the History of Art. Known for his aesthetic sensibility and keen observational skills, he integrates creativity with modern technology to enhance art education.

Over the years, his work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions at the national, state and district levels. His paintings have not only drawn attention but also earned him several prestigious awards. His talents extend beyond painting — he has twice won national awards in photography from the Indian Academy of Fine Arts (IAFA), Amritsar.

He has also published four textbooks on art education for classes IX and X on the CBSE pattern. His contribution as a mentor is equally noteworthy. He has consistently prepared his students for various painting and photography competitions, many of whom have gone on to win top honours.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, when schools across the country shifted to remote learning, he innovatively conducted online classes. He taught photography and “best-out-of-waste” crafts, created painting demonstration videos in multiple mediums and sent them to students to help them cope with stress and stay creatively engaged.

His efforts have been widely recognised. He received appreciation letters from the Union HRD Minister for achieving exceptional results in Class XII during the academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15.

He continues to inspire generations of students with his innovation and love for art. “Life without painting is unimaginable,” he says, reaffirming his commitment to a lifelong journey with art.

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