Women’s Day in honour of Sushma Paul Berlia

Jalandhar, March 8, 2014: International Women’s Day on the theme of “Inspiring Change” was celebrated in Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar during which women who had made laudable contribution in different fields were honoured. This day was especially dedicated to the achievements of Sushma Paul Berlia, an exemplary woman of substance who was also the Chief Guest of the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal of the college, Dr. Sucharita acquainted the audience with the multifarious achievements of Berlia. Berlia is a leading woman entrepreneur, industrialist of India and a crusader of women education. Sushma Paul Berlia is the only child and dynamic daughter of Founder Chairman of Apeejay Education Society, Dr. Stya Paul who was a great visionary, philanthropist, freedom fighter, educationist and a man of principles. While succeeding in doing her part in social upliftment through her various businesses, Sushma Paul Berlia has also favoured direct interventions and has set up charities, including free food distribution to poor, rehabilitation, & education of the physically challenged, media/film campaigns to remove prejudices related to people with disabilities and promoting their inclusiveness. She has worked with and provided support to a range of non-profit programs. She has a special commitment to the protection of the environment, and has been at the forefront of various programmes, campaigns and sustainable research initiatives. A recipient of many prestigious awards, her achievements are plentiful and extraordinary.  Dr. Sucharita also remarked that even though the modern Indian Woman has come a long way there were still some reasons for concern. Introducing new laws for her safety were not sufficient unless they were supported by strong moral values of the society.  She urged the parents and teachers to inculcate in the youth respect for all segments of the society.

A short movie titled “The Journey of a True Leader” on the life and achievements of Sushma Paul Berlia, was screened. Winners of Face Painting and Poster Making Contest organised on the occasion were given prizes.  A riveting Fashion Pageant based on the theme of Women Empowerment showcasing the creativity of the designers of the college was presented. A National Award winning folk dance performance Teran Taal mesmerised the audience.

The other women achievers who were honoured during the function were Gurpreet Deo, I.G. Police (NRI & Women Wing); Dr. Harjinder Kaur, Chairperson, Punjab Arts Council, Chandigarh; Harpreet Kaur Randhawa, Additional District-cum-Sessions Judge, Jalandhar; Dr. Jagjit Kaur, Director, Youth Welfare Department, GNDU, Amritsar; Kamna Raj Aggarwal, Director Marketing, GDPA Fasteners; Parkash Kaur, Noted Social Worker and Trustee Member, Unique Home; Sadhna Sangar, Secretary, Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi, Chandigarh; Sukhwinder Amrit, Eminent Punjabi Poetess who also regaled the audience with the recital of one of her poems “Mawan Te Dhiyan”.

Distinguished Alumnae who were also felicitated were Aditi, Administrator, Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, New Delhi; Amarjit, Programme Executive, Doordarshan Kendra, Jalandhar; Apneet, Assistant Commissioner, Ludhiana; Harleen Kaur, Advocate, Jalandhar; Isha, Product Manager, HDFC Bank Ltd. Delhi ; Namneet Kaur, Fashion Designer, Delhi Owner Italian Restaurant Almalfi and Launched Fashion Brand ‘Timzy Batra’;                Seep Taneja, an Eminent Model.

Sushma Paul Berlia in her presidential address urged the women to walk together saying “When you walk alone, you walk fast, but when you walk together, you can walk far”. She remembered her father who was her mentor and inspiration and who is instilled in her the belief that there was nothing, she could not do if she had set her mind to doing it. Congratulating the women achievers, she said that women are capable of achieving great heights if they are talented, determined and hard working.