The 31st Jindal Art Festival (JAF), a dynamic All India Inter-School confluence of art, passion, design, music, and dance commenced on 7th August 2024, at VDJS to commemorate the 94th birth anniversary of the founding father, Late Shri OP Jindal ji, an industrialist, philanthropist, and politician, whose groundbreaking efforts to promote girls’ education have led to the establishment of one of India’s premier boarding schools.
The two-day gala fest was graced by Mr Madan Lal, a renowned artist with a plethora of solo and group exhibitions to his credit and the Honorary Secretary of Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi Chandigarh, as the chief guest. Mr Lal has his work displayed in top global galleries of the USA, UK and Sweden and has received numerous awards, including Avantika and Lalit Kala Academy. He was presented with his portrait sketched beautifully by a Jindalite from the Art Department as a mark of gratitude and recognition for his masterstrokes.
Alongside other dignitaries from Jindal Stainless Limited and OP Jindal Modern School, the festival had the privilege of welcoming the Guest of Honour, Dr Bhim Inder Singh, Head and Professor of Punjabi Literary Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, and has authored numerous books like, ‘Samaj, Syasat te Sahit’ and ‘Marxvad Mude Ate Mulankan’ and Dr Nivedita Singh, a distinguished classical vocalist and Professor of Music at Punjabi University, Patiala. Distinguished luminaries in the field of art were present to preside as judges for the array of contests from the eminent, Punjabi University Patiala, Dr Atinderpal Singh, Ms Prabhdeep Kaur and Ms Manpreet Kaur, Assistant Professors- Fine Arts, Dr Rehmo, and Ms Monisha Banerjee, Assistant Professors- Music Department, and Dr Monika, Assistant Professor- Dance Department.
The ceremony commenced with the kindling of the lamp and the recitation of shlokas. Mr Madan Lal made the official opening announcement of JAF and contributed a symbolic brushstroke to a canvas. The significance, history and evolution of JAF was highlighted and shared with the gathering, followed by a flag march introducing 175 artists from the nine esteemed participating schools from across India. Jindalites spellbound the guests and the emerging young artists with an awe-inspiring and stunning Indonesian dance, ‘Saman’, popularly known as the ‘Dance of a Thousand Hands’, a symbol of enlightenment and compassion.
The art extravaganza witnessed the prowess of the young visionaries juggling with their creativity at 14 highly innovative and challenging competitions ranging from Shastra Nritya, Chikankari, Wire Sculpture, Indonesian Dye, Pattachitra, Jhankar, Sufi Kalam, and Brochure Bonanza to Culinary Art, Pipli Art, Chhapa, and International Group Folk Dance. Contestants showcased their creativity through diverse mediums—whether it was painting, embroidery, clay work, or performing arts.
The Valedictory Function was initiated with a special musical treat of melodies of Western music by VDJS Western Choir. The exceptional artistry and dedication of the Art Conjurers were felicitated by the Chief Guest, Mr. Madan Lal and the Guests of Honour, Dr Bhim Inder Singh and Dr Nivedita Singh. The Overall Rolling Trophy was won by Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya-Gwalior.
Mr Lal applauded the promising artists for their display of talent, passion and colourful vibrancy in various arenas of art and encouraged them not to rely on ‘Google’ to let the pristine and exotic creativity spark and sprout from their inner core and that, he believed, would be a true expression of Art. In her address to the August assemblage, the Principal Ms Naina Dhillon extended her heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed guests, judges, and the Headmasters and Principals of the participating schools for contributing to the tremendous success of the ‘Celebration of Art.’ She also thanked the participating artists for adding magic to the competitions with their incredible strokes of innovation and creativity and warmly invited them to join the 32nd JAF in 2025.
The names of the participating schools are:
· Pinegrove School-Solan
· Mayo College Girls’ School-Ajmer
· Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya-Gwalior
· Punjab Public School-Nabha
· The Mann School-Delhi
· N C Jindal Public School-New Delhi
· OP Jindal Modern School-Hisar
· Vidya Devi Jindal School-Hisar
