Apeejay Anand Children’s Library, under the aegis of Apeejay Schools, hosted the much-anticipated Apeejay Anand Art Mela simultaneously at Apeejay House (Kolkata) Lawns and the Apeejay School campuses in Salt Lake, Haldia, and Bhubaneswar. Marking its 34th edition, the workshop engaged children aged 7 to 12 around the theme ‘The Water We Want – Every Drop Counts’ a topic that resonates strongly with current global concerns.
Participants transformed umbrellas into works of art, using colours and imagination to express their thoughts on water conservation. Through their artwork, students addressed issues such as plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change. More importantly, they conveyed a hopeful message—that meaningful change begins with small, everyday actions. From reducing plastic use to conserving water at home, the young artists highlighted how individual responsibility can contribute to a healthier planet.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. Karan Paul, Chairman, Apeejay Surrendra Group; Ms. Priya Paul, Chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, Chief Guest, Dr. Sayan Bhattacharya, Director, The Indian Museum besides Guest Judges, Mr. Marc Boudin, Director, Alliance française du Bengale; Ms. Nandita Palchoudhuri, Consultant-Curator with Indian Folk Practices in the Visual Arts, Crafts & Performances and Mr. Sankha Banerjee, Graphic Designer, Illustrator & Assistant Professor, St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata.
Since 1993, every year, Apeejay Anand Children’s Library, under the aegis of Apeejay Schools, has been hosting the Anand Art Mela in memory of Anand Paul who was born on 26th February in 1972 and tragically passed away in an accident in 1989.
At the end of the mela, three chosen artworks were recognized at each venue with Certificates of Honour, while all participants received stationery goodie bags in appreciation of their creativity and enthusiastic participation.
Sharing his thoughts on the art mela, Mr. Darryl Bloud, CEO of Apeejay Schools said, “At Apeejay Schools, books shape the mind, but art shapes the soul. As we mark the 34th anniversary of the Anand Art Festival, we remember Anand Paul with deep affection, whose dream was to bring joy and dignity into the lives of children. Through art we honour his vision and reaffirm our promise to help every child discover their voice and their worth”.
