PVLF 2026

33rd Apeejay Anand Art Mela The New Delhi Edition

The 33rd Apeejay Anand Art Mela celebrated young creativity, raising awareness on marine conservation through vibrant artwork on canvas bags.
on Mar 06, 2025

New Delhi, March 6, 2025- Apeejay Anand Children's Library, under the aegis of Apeejay Schools, hosted the much-anticipated Apeejay Anand Art Mela at DMRC Children Home for Boys, New Delhi, run by Salaam Baalak Trust. This year marks the 33rd edition of the Mela, offering a platform for young artists to explore the vast world of imagination. The theme for this year's edition, ‘The Ocean Speaks – Giving a Voice to Marine Life, ’ encouraged children aged 6-16 to create expressions of optimism through the transformation of blank canvas bags into colorful works of art.

The event was graced by esteemed artists and mentors, including renowned artists Durga Kainthola, Poonam Bhatnagar, Samar Singh Jodha, and Saurabh Narang.

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 Pau,l who was born on 26th February in 1972 and tragically passed away in an accident in 1989.

The 33rd edition of Art Mela highlighted the message that every storm gives way to calm seas while also highlighting the critical need to protect marine ecosystems from the threats of pollution, overfishing, and climate change. The children demonstrated that even small actions, such as reducing plastic waste and conserving water, can play a vital role in protecting ocean life.

Four artworks at the mela were awarded Certificates of Appreciation and Gift Hampers, while all participants were presented with stationery goodie bags in recognition of their creativity and effort.

Sharing his thoughts on the art mela, Mr. Darryl Bloud, CEO of Apeejay Schools, said, “Art has the power to inspire, heal, and transform lives. The Anand Paul Art Workshop is not just about using colour on canvas; it’s about giving every child a chance to enter into the wonderful world of imagination, to dream, to express themselves in colour, to see that sparkle in their eyes, and to believe that they too make a difference in the world—a world of make-belief, but more importantly, a world of hope through our children."

To promote reading habits across all age groups and social strata, Oxford Bookstore has generously donated 150 books to the Apeejay Anand Children's Library. The donation includes a diverse selection of English and Hindi titles, catering to children and young adults aged 6 to 18.

About Apeejay Schools

Since 1975, Apeejay Schools have been world leaders in providing 21st-century academic and all-around education. Set up by the Apeejay Surrendra Group, the schools serve as intellectual and creative hubs, enabling students to become contributing global citizens. The mission of Apeejay Schools is to nurture students with three powerful virtues—Shakti (strength), Drishti (vision), and Pragyan (wisdom)—to empower them for both life and living.

The schools currently operate with the following units:

The Apeejay School, Park Street, Kolkata – CBSE curriculum up to Grade XII.

The Apeejay School, Bhubaneswar – CBSE curriculum for Senior Secondary Level (Grade XI and XII).

The Apeejay School, Salt Lake, Kolkata – CBSE curriculum up to Grade XII.

The Apeejay School, Haldia – CBSE curriculum up to Grade X.

About Apeejay Anand Children’s Library

Founded in 1992, Apeejay Anand Children's Library is an educational support program created in loving memory of Anand Paul. Over the years, the library has evolved into a stimulating learning station, offering a haven for children's imaginations. With books donated by the Group's bookstore chain, Oxford Bookstore, the libraries have expanded to shelter homes across India, providing access to the joy of reading for underprivileged children.

About Apeejay Surrendra Group

Established in 1910, the Apeejay Surrendra Group is a diversified conglomerate with a workforce of over 43,000 employees. The group’s business operations span across Hospitality, Shipping, Real Estate, Retail, Tea, and emerging sectors such as Marine Cluster, Logistics, and Knowledge Parks.