Founded in 1967 by Dr. Narinder S. Kapany and his wife, Mrs. Satinder Kaur Kapany, the Sikh Foundation is a non-profit, non-political charitable organization (EIN: 23-7035676) dedicated to promoting the heritage and future of Sikhism. For over five decades, we have championed Sikh art, thought, and values across academic, artistic, and community spaces.
Our Mission
Our mission is rooted in a deep love for Sikh heritage and a profound respect for the diverse communities we serve. We strive to share the stories, art, and wisdom of Sikhism across generations and cultures by creating inclusive and engaging programs guided by Sikh ideals.
We work to:
- Ensure the spirit of Sikhism continues to illuminate hearts and minds globally.
- Safeguard Sikh stories, art, and wisdom through exhibitions, scholarship, and community programs.
- Pass on the essence of Sikh heritage to the growing Sikh diaspora in the West, especially the youth.
- Provide intergenerational spaces where elders share insights and youth connect with their roots.
- Foster Sikh culture through critical and creative thinking—the same spirit that gave rise to the Sikh faith.
- Uphold Sikh values of equality, resilience, and seva (selfless service).
- Offer hands-on, welcoming experiences for people of all backgrounds.
- Contribute a Sikh perspective to shared human concerns and build bridges across communities.
Founders – Mrs. Satinder Kaur and Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany
Mrs. Satinder Kaur and Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany founded the Sikh Foundation in 1967, uniting their dedication to Sikh heritage with a vision for global cultural exchange. Mrs. Kapany, a pioneering philanthropist, visionary art collector, and accomplished painter, led the donation of over 100 Sikh artworks to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, establishing the Satinder Kaur Kapany Gallery of Sikh Art, the first permanent gallery of its kind in the Americas. Drawing inspiration from Baramah compositions in the Guru Granth Sahib, her paintings reflected her deep connection to Sikh spirituality and heritage. Her warmth, artistry, and vision continue to inspire the Sikh Foundation’s mission today.
Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany, celebrated worldwide as the “Father of Fiber Optics,” championed the belief that “on the threshold of the twenty-first century, it is the destiny of the Sikh people to be a thriving and contributing international community.” He urged Sikhs to draw inspiration from the Gurus’ teachings and sacrifices, equipping future generations to be both good Sikhs and engaged members of society, while sharing their heritage without chauvinism. “The wisdom, philosophy, and arts of the Sikh faith belong to the world,” he said, “and it is time now to bring them into the light.”
Together, they assembled the world-renowned Kapany Collection of Sikh art and built a lasting legacy of innovation, service, and cultural preservation. Today, their children, Raj and Kiki Kapany, serve on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, carrying forward their parents’ vision and ensuring it continues to inspire future generations.