A Timeless Symbol of Spirituality, Equality, and Peace
A historic painting portraying Maharajah Ranjit Singh in his darbar, surrounded by courtiers, including Sher Singh and Kharak Singh
History of the Foundation
The Foundation was established 25 years ago to promote in Canada Sikh values of truth, compassion, contentment, humility, and love - all through education, art, and culture. Over the years, we have proudly hosted lecture series featuring distinguished scholars from the UK, France, India, and Singapore. Our efforts include staging engaging exhibitions, commissioning insightful books, and producing informative publications that explore various aspects of Sikh art and history.
A 17th century painting from Bhuman Shah’s darbar in Okara shows a woman leading a hunting expedition
A detailed 1838 painting by Imam Baksh Lahori depicting General Jean-Baptiste Ventura Allard, a former French commander serving Maharaja Ranjit Singh
We believe in investing in the next generation of leaders and thinkers.A highlight of our annual calendar is the Centennial Gala, where we celebrate the achievements of both Sikhs and non-Sikhs who exemplify excellence in their fields. This event brings together our community to honor those making significant contributions to society.
One of our proudest achievements is awarding over $100,000 in scholarships to outstanding Sikh-Canadian students who need financial support to pursue their studies at Canadian universities.
In a landmark partnership, the Sikh Arts & Culture Foundation of Canada has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Ontario Museum to establish a permanent Gallery of Sikh Art and Culture. The Foundation is committed to providing $25 million to the ROM over five years, culminating in the gallery's opening in 2028. To date, over $16 million has been pledged by approximately thirty donors for the Sikh Gallery, with contributions ranging from $50,000 to $5 million.The Foundation also successfully accepted a grant of $ 6.0 million from the Federal Government, making a total of commitment of support of $22 million to the ROM.
This collaboration opens the door to a permanent exhibition space that will showcase the rich heritage, history, and culture of the Sikh diaspora. Visitors will be able to explore rare manuscripts, exquisite paintings, textiles, and other artifacts that reflect the beauty and diversity of Sikh art and culture. This initiative represents a significant milestone for the Sikh community in Canada and around the globe, ensuring that our heritage is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
Leadership Team
Our board of directors is made up of passionate individuals who are deeply committed to this mission
Suresh Pal Singh Bhalla
After a long and successful career in banking, Suresh has devoted his time to Human Rights Watch and has a strong track record of philanthropy, including serving on the board of the Toronto Community Foundation. He’s appeared on national television to discuss the rights of Sikhs to wear their articles of faith. A highlight of his contributions is leading the “Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms” exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum in 2001, which showcased the beauty and richness of Sikh culture to a broader audience.
Satwinder S. Gosal (Sat)
A well-respected lawyer, Sat has taken on leadership roles in important community organizations like the Sikh Centennial Foundation and the Sikh Foundation. He’s dedicated to preserving Sikh heritage and has played a significant part in creating and sharing literature about Sikhi. Sat is also known for his work in Sikh film festivals and has made an impact in landmark legal cases that uphold the rights of Sikhs to wear their articles of faith. He’s even served on the Peel Police Services Board, further contributing to the community.
Harkiran S. Boparai
As a successful businessman, Harkiran has made it a point to incorporate Sikh heritage into his projects, such as the Great Punjab Business Center. He’s passionate about his roots and actively supports organizations like the Sikh Heritage Museum and Seva Food Bank. Beyond his business efforts, Harkiran leads the annual Punjabi Golfers Association tournament, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.
Sukhdeep S. Sandhu (Sukh)
Renowned real estate developer and entrepreneur Sukh Sandhu has an innovative approach to community-benefitting projects. Born into an agricultural, political, and business family, he launched a car sales enterprise while studying mechanical engineering. Sandhu has won numerous real estate awards, completed various residential and commercial developments, and sponsored education, healthcare, and social welfare causes. He has also become a prominent figure in the community, using his success to give back and make a positive impact on society.
Dr. Manpreet Kaur Sahota
Dr. Manpreet Kaur Sahota is an educator, researcher, and radio host. She hosted the daily talk show Roshni (“Light”) on RedFM 88.9 FM for five years and now presents Samundro Paar (“Across the Seas”), exploring history and culture. With a Ph.D. in Canadian Literature from Panjab University and a post-doctoral fellowship from India’s UGC, she teaches at Seneca College, focusing on identity, multiculturalism, and immigrant experiences. An accomplished translator, she curates Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu literature as audiobooks on YouTube and Spotify (Agla Warqa). Her podcast ChaiLunge shares South Asian immigrant stories.
