Calligraphy Workshop

CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP

By Padma Shri Achyut Palav

1. Introduction
Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts, Sarvajanik University, Surat, organised a two-day Calligraphy Workshop on 19 and 20 August 2026, featuring renowned calligrapher and Padma Shri awardee Shri Achyut Palav. The workshop was organised with the objective of providing students and participants with direct exposure to the artistic practice of calligraphy and developing a deeper understanding of lettering, stroke, rhythm, composition, movement and visual expression.

2.Day One – 19 August 2026

The programme commenced with an inauguration ceremony at 10:00 AM at Tara-Moti Hall, SES Campus. The inaugural session formally marked the beginning of the two-day programme and welcomed Padma Shri Achyut Palav, faculty members, students and participants.

The first academic session was conducted from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at the Applied Arts Department on the first floor of the New Building. Shri Achyut Palav delivered an insightful presentation on calligraphy, its evolution, artistic dimensions and its relevance in contemporary visual communication. He shared his extensive experience and demonstrated how calligraphy can move beyond conventional lettering to become a powerful medium of artistic expression.

Following the lunch break, Session II was conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the foyer of the New Building. The session featured a live calligraphy demonstration by Shri Achyut Palav. Students and participants had the opportunity to closely observe his working process and understand the importance of gesture, stroke, proportion, rhythm, spacing and composition in creating expressive calligraphic forms.

3.Day Two – 20 August 2026

The second day was dedicated primarily to hands-on learning and practical engagement. The workshop sessions were conducted at the Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts, First Floor, New Building.

Session I was conducted from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a lunch break from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM. More than 150 students and participants took part in practical exercises and explored different aspects of calligraphic practice under the guidance of Shri Achyut Palav.

The participants were introduced to the importance of line quality, pressure, movement, form, spacing and visual balance. They were encouraged to experiment with letterforms and understand the relationship between technique and artistic expression.

Session II was conducted from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Participants continued their practical exercises and developed their individual calligraphic compositions. Shri Achyut Palav interacted with participants, demonstrated techniques and provided valuable guidance and observations during the practical process. 

4. Programme Schedule Date	Time	Session / Activity	Venue
19 Aug 2026	10:00 AM	Inauguration	Tara-Moti Hall, SES Campus
19 Aug 2026	12:00–1:30 PM	Presentation by Padma Shri Achyut Palav	Applied Arts, 1st Floor, New Building
19 Aug 2026	2:00–5:00 PM	Live Calligraphy Demonstration	Foyer, New Building
20 Aug 2026	9:00 AM–12:30 PM	Calligraphy Workshop – Session I	Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts, 1st Floor
20 Aug 2026	1:00–4:00 PM	Calligraphy Workshop – Session II	Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts, 1st Floor

6. Media Coverage and Public Outreach

An important highlight of the programme was its media coverage by the Evening Press, which conducted an engaging and insightful interview with Padma Shri Achyut Palav. The interview provided an opportunity to bring his artistic journey, philosophy and understanding of calligraphy to a wider audience.
The media interaction further enhanced the visibility of the workshop and contributed to creating greater public awareness about calligraphy, its artistic significance and its relevance in contemporary visual culture. The positive media response also reflected the significance of bringing eminent practitioners and artists into the academic environment for direct interaction with students and the wider community.

7. Learning Outcomes

Fundamentals of calligraphic practice and expressive lettering.
Stroke formation, rhythm, proportion and spacing.
Relationship between movement and visual expression.
Construction and composition of letterforms.
Traditional and contemporary approaches to calligraphy.
Practical techniques through live demonstrations and guided exercises.
Individual experimentation and creative exploration.
The role of calligraphy in contemporary fine arts and visual communication.
Professional interaction with an eminent practitioner of Indian calligraphy.



8. Impact of the Workshop

The participation of 150+ students and participants made the workshop a significant academic and creative initiative of Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts. The programme provided students with an opportunity to learn directly from an accomplished practitioner and gain practical knowledge that complemented their regular academic curriculum.
The combination of expert presentation, live demonstration, practical workshop sessions and media interaction created a comprehensive learning experience. The workshop encouraged students to explore new approaches to lettering and develop greater sensitivity towards form, rhythm, balance and visual aesthetics. Report | Calligraphy Workshop | 19–20 August 2026
The strong collaboration among the Principal and Fine Arts faculty further strengthened the academic and organisational impact of the programme.

9. Conclusion

The two-day Calligraphy Workshop by Padma Shri Achyut Palav, held on 19 and 20 August 2026, was a highly enriching and successful academic programme. With the participation of more than 150 students and participants, the workshop created a vibrant platform for learning, experimentation and interaction.
The presence of Padma Shri Achyut Palav offered participants a valuable opportunity to learn from an accomplished master of contemporary Indian calligraphy. His presentation, live demonstrations and practical guidance significantly enriched the participants' understanding of calligraphy as an artistic discipline.
The Evening Press interview and media coverage further extended the impact of the programme beyond the classroom and helped highlight the importance of calligraphy and artistic education to the wider public.
The successful execution of the workshop was made possible through the whole-hearted support and encouragement of Principal Prof. Persi Engineer, along with the dedicated coordination of Prof. Rajarshi Smart and the enthusiastic involvement of HOD Dr. Jasmine Kaur, Prof. Yogendra Patel, Prof. Abhishek Mandala, Prof. Krunal Zaveri, Prof. Naishadh Jani and Prof. Kunjan Goswami.
Their collective efforts demonstrated the spirit of teamwork, academic collaboration and institutional commitment towards enriching the educational experience of students. Overall, the workshop successfully strengthened the institution's commitment to experiential learning, artist–student interaction, skill development, faculty collaboration and the promotion of art awareness.