A Portrait of Elegance and Grace – Satinder Kaur Kapany

By Sonia Dhami In Loving Memory of Satinder Kaur Kapany, a lady of eternal grace & elegance. A daughter, wife, mother, artist and professional she inspired me every time I met her. She loved life and lived it to the fullest, in the true Sikh spirit of chardi kalan. She warmly welcomed me into the Sikh Foundation family 8 years ago. While working here I have come across her numerous contributions including her editorial in the “Sikh Sansar“, a journal published by the Sikh Foundation from 1972-1977. This special issue honors Sikh Women as part of the commemoration of United Nations “Womens’ Year” in 1975. Her writing truly reflects her own character and personality. As I read this piece, I could visualize parallels to her own life. As a young immigrant coming to the United States in the 1950’s, she celebrated her own rich heritage while embracing all that was good in American society. While she nurtured her beautiful family she also achieved stellar success as a dynamic real estate professional. In commemoration of the 35^th Anniversary of the Sikh Foundation in 2003, the Kapany family gifted over 100 pieces of exquisite Sikh art along with a generous financial gift to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. With this gift was established the “Satinder Kaur Kapany Gallery of Sikh Art” the first and only permanent Sikh Fine Art Gallery in a major museum in the Americas. The setting up of this gallery was a tribute to her abiding interest and passion for Sikh arts. Some of her favorite pieces included the magnificent portrait of Maharani Jind Kaur painted by artist George Richmond in 1896 and the Maharani’s jewelry. An accomplished artist, she painted a series of paintings inspired by the Baramaha compositions from the Guru Granth Sahib. A valiant fighter, she faced the insurmountable challenge of Parkinson disease, with unparalleled courage and fortitude. Her loving husband Dr. Narinder S Kapany, along with their daughter Kiki and son Raj, and their four gorgeous grandchildren- Ari, Misha, Tara & Nikki continue to build on her endearing legacy. Her magnificent Sikh Art collections and her loving memory will continue to inspire us all, years to come. In honor of her enormous contribution to the Sikh Foundation, we are sharing an editorial piece written by Satinder herself. Alongside we will also publish some other archival articles from this special “Sikh Women” Issue of the “Sikh Sansar”first published in 1975, edited by Satinder Kaur. Click titles to read articles Sikh Women – by Satinder Kaur Kapany – This editorial was first published in The Sikh Sansar (Vol. 4 Number 4) in December 1975, a publication of the Sikh Foundation. Women – A poem by Hazara Singh – Art by Satinder Kaur Kapany – From our Archives: A special “Sikh Women” Issue of the “Sikh Sansar” first published in 1975, edited by Satinder Kaur.