BBK DAV College for Women organized a two-day ICSSR sponsored National seminar on the theme, “Contemporary Practices in Traditional Art and Craft of North-Western India”. Professor (Dr.) Harmohinder Singh Bedi, Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, was the Chief Guest while Professor (Dr.) Him Chatterjee, Chairperson, Department of Visual Arts, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla was the Keynote Speaker for the inaugural ceremony.
In her welcome address, Principal Dr. Pushpinder Walia said that educational institutions serve as temples of learning and innovation, where ideas are nurtured, and traditions are preserved. As we navigate the transition phase of integrating modern technologies with traditional art and craft, it is imperative that we retain the essence of our cultural heritage while embracing new opportunities. She added that by creating a fusion between art, sustainability, and technology, we can reshape old artistic traditions in a way that aligns with contemporary needs, ensuring their relevance for future generations.
While presenting the keynote address, Prof. (Dr.) Him Chatterjee said that Indian art has been shaped by diverse influences—spanning from indigenous traditions to external interactions with European and Persian artistic forms. He added that the renaissance of Indian art through digital media is enabling the artists to bridge the past with the present, allowing traditional forms to be reinterpreted in contemporary styles.
Dr. Harmohinder Singh Bedi congratulated Principal Dr. Pushpinder Walia on the successful organization of the seminar. He said that emphasizing Sanskrit and Vedic texts, Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati ji contributed to the preservation of classical Indian artistic traditions. Inaugural session of the National Seminar ceremony concluded with enthralling performance of Gidha and folk songs by the students of Department of Youth Welfare.
First technical session was chaired by Dr. Him Chatterjee while Ms. Paramjit Kaur Kapoor, Empanelled Designer, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. Of India, was the resource person for the session. During her lecture, Ms. Kapoor, acquainted the students with technicalities of Phulkari embroidery. 16 research papers were presented during this session on topics related to traditional Art and Craft of India.
Second technical session was chaired by Profession (Dr.) Fayaz Ahmad Nika, Chairperson, DIC-Design Innovative Cell, Dean, Management Studies, Central University of Kashmir, while Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Chairperson, Department of Fine Arts, Kurukshetra University was the resource person for the same. 15 research papers were presented during this session.
Prof. Fayaz Ahmad Nika, in his valedictory address, highlighted the historical significance of Kashmir’s handicrafts in economic development and tourism. He emphasized the need to preserve this cultural heritage while addressing challenges like low artisan returns and integrating technology for its revival.
During the seminar, an exhibition dedicated to the heritage, art and culture of Punjab was organized by Department of Punjabi, Applied Arts, Fine Arts, Home Science and Gemology and Jewellery Design.
Ms. Shifali Johar, Head, PG Dept. of Fine Arts, read the report of the seminar while Dr. Simardeep, Dean Academics, gave a vote of thanks. Participants from various institutions across India, along with college faculty members and students, enthusiastically attended the seminar.
