Recognized as the Father of Fiber Optics, Dr. Kapany’s work revolutionized communication and medical technologies. But his legacy reaches far beyond science. It’s defined by his generosity, mentorship, and commitment to education and service.

Celebrating a Global Icon

In India, heartfelt celebrations brought together family, peers, and admirers. Photos and messages reflected the gratitude and admiration felt worldwide for a man whose impact spans disciplines and continents.

A Life of Vision and Service

Dr. Kapany’s contributions extend through the Sikh Foundation, championing education, culture, and the arts. His life reminds us that innovation is most powerful when rooted in ethics and community.

Legacy in Motion

This milestone sparked renewed commitment to his vision through education, dialogue, and global collaboration. His legacy isn’t just remembered, it’s lived and carried forward.

With Deep Gratitude

We honour a life that not only changed the world but uplifted it. At the Sikh Foundation, we remain inspired by Dr. Kapany’s story is a legacy of brilliance and service that continues to light the way.

Image from @manjeetk.sibia on Instagram

Mrs. Manjeet Sibia’s journey from Punjab to California is one marked by resilience, care, and a deep commitment to Sikh history and community. A historian at heart and a community builder in practice, Mrs. Sibia has spent decades documenting Sikh stories and nurturing cultural pride across generations.

She immigrated to the United States in 1974 with a Master’s degree in History and built her life in Davis, California, alongside her husband, who later joined the faculty at UC Davis. “We lived in Davis for 25 years,” she recalled. “I was raising kids and working part-time, taking them to school, helping them grow.”

Her engagement with Sikh culture in the U.S. began with Sunday school Punjabi classes at the West Sacramento Gurdwara, where she taught for 15 years. “Then they found out I know how to do dance,” she laughed. “So me and my husband started Vaisakhi programs. It became a family thing. My son and daughter both joined.”

After experiencing deep personal loss, including the passing of her husband and son to leukemia, Mrs. Sibia found strength in community. She helped launch Natomas Teeyan, a vibrant women-only festival that now draws more than 1,000 attendees each year. “It’s a celebration just for women,” she said. “No husbands telling them not to buy something. There are vendors, music, dancing. Even five-year-olds and grandmothers join in. We dance, we dress up, we celebrate.”

In 2023, the City of Sacramento formally recognized Natomas Teeyan for its cultural importance. It was a moment of pride for Mrs. Sibia and the five women who now organize the event.

At the heart of her work is the Sikh Pioneers website, a digital archive she and her late husband created to collect stories of early Sikh immigrants, scholars, laborers, and changemakers. “He just got into it. He wanted our kids to know where we come from,” she said. “Whenever we traveled, even to Canada or Panama, he’d find a Gurdwara or a library. I’d say, ‘We’re on vacation!’ and he’d say, ‘Just give me one hour.’”

Much of the material was in Punjabi, so Mrs. Sibia helped with translation. “He would ask me, ‘What does this mean?’ I’d say, ‘You do the dishes, I’ll do the translating,’” she joked. After his passing, she took it upon herself to maintain the site. “It’s not just about keeping a website up. It’s about keeping our stories alive.”

When the original domain (sikhpioneers.org) was lost, she worked to reclaim the archive and re-establish it under a new domain, sikhpioneers.net, with help from students and supporters. She now hopes it can eventually be managed by a trusted organization. “It’s a very unique website. Students, researchers, they all used it. It shouldn’t be sitting idle.”

Mrs. Sibia’s message to the next generation is clear. Stay connected to your roots. “Sometimes kids grow up with their roots but lose them in college,” she said. “Our culture teaches respect, to parents, to elders, and to each other. Be proud of your heritage. Be proud of your brown skin.”

Whether through Punjabi classes, dance performances, community festivals, or archival work, Manjeet Sibia has dedicated her life to ensuring Sikh history is not only remembered but celebrated.

“I want to retire,” she smiled, “but I’m getting younger and younger.”

About Dr. Singh: https://aaads.berkeley.edu/jane-singh/

Dr. Singh’s foreword: Our Feet Walk the Sky 

The Sikh Foundation honors the life and legacy of Dr. Jane Singh, a remarkable scholar and lecturer in the Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies program at UC Berkeley. Dr. Singh, who earned her Ph.D. in South and Southeast Asian Studies, dedicated decades to her work with genuine scholarly intent, free from self-promotion. Her profound research on South Asian American identity, gender, and diaspora, including her pivotal work on the Gadar movement, has left an indelible mark on the academic community.

Dr. Singh wrote the foreword to Our Feet Walk the Sky: Women of the South Asian Diaspora and led the NEH-funded project Expressions of Ethnic Identity: The South Asian Immigrant Experience in the United States. Her contributions to understanding South Asian immigration and identity in the U.S. were groundbreaking.

At the Sikh Foundation, we were privileged to witness her commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation of Sikh and South Asian history. Dr. Singh’s work will continue to inspire future generations of scholars and students.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her intellect and kindness.wr

We are deeply honored to share that Dr. Narinder Kapany, the Father of Fiber Optics and our beloved founder, was posthumously awarded by UCSC for his monumental contributions to science and his unwavering support of the university.

In a heartfelt ceremony, his children, Raj and Kiki Kapany, proudly accepted the award on his behalf. This recognition not only celebrates his pioneering work but also his enduring legacy of fostering education and innovation.

Thank you, University of California, Santa Cruz, for this special tribute.

#DrNarinderKapany #FiberOptics #UCSC #SikhFoundation #Legacy #Innovation #Education #Award #Family #Inspiration

Dr. Bhai Harbans Lal ji is a renowned scholar and leader in the Sikh community whose dedication to preserving Sikh heritage inspired the creation of a Tapestry of Memory. His work has been pivotal in documenting and sharing the rich cultural narratives of Sikhs around the world.

Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Khalsa is a talented interviewer and writer who brings these stories to life. Through her engaging interviews and thoughtful storytelling, she ensures that the voices and experiences of the Sikh community are heard and remembered.

During the 1947 Partition of India, Kirpal Singh’s family fled Chak Sardar Dharam Singh near Rawalpindi for Waha Camp, leaving his father behind. Life in the camp was harsh, with rationed food and makeshift living conditions. Kirpal witnessed horrific scenes, including massacres and mass cremations. The journey to Amritsar was full of danger, and the family eventually reunited in Delhi. These experiences deeply impacted Kirpal, instilling a strong aversion to violence and guiding his future through education and Gurbani. His story highlights the resilience and spirit of the Sikh community, preserved on Tapestry of Memory for future generations.

Image Credit: https://tapestryofmemory.org

Dr. Hardev Singh Virk’s story on Tapestry of Memory is a testament to his unwavering faith and perseverance. Guided by his deep respect for Gurbani, he navigated academic challenges during his doctoral studies at Marie Curie University. Despite facing immense pressure, he disproved his supervisor’s hypothesis about a new particle. Through his faith in prayer, Dr. Virk made a crucial discovery that validated his findings. With support from researchers at Cambridge University, he defended his thesis with top honors. His journey celebrates the resilience and dedication of the Sikh community, inspiring others to overcome obstacles with unwavering determination.

Hardev Singh Virk with his research group at Marie Curie University, Paris (1977)

Image Credit: https://tapestryofmemory.org

Oral histories provide unique insights into personal and communal experiences that written records often overlook. “A Tapestry of Memory” ensures these stories are not lost but instead cherished and accessible to future generations. By sharing these stories, we celebrate our heritage and pass on invaluable lessons and memories.

On May 4, 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a keynote address at the Sikh Foundation of Canada’s annual Gala held at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. The event celebrated Sikh heritage and recognized significant contributions by the Sikh community to Canadian society. A highlight of the evening was the announcement of a significant donation of artifacts by the Sikh Foundation of Canada. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) now hosts Canada’s first permanent space dedicated to Sikh art donated by the Kapany Collection.

Key Highlights:

• Investment Announcement: $6 million for a Sikh art gallery at the ROM.
• Sikh Art at the MMFA: Artifacts donated by the Sikh Foundation and Kapany Collection displayed at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

• Tributes: Honoring pioneers like Private Buckham Singh.
• Community Assurance: Commitment to justice and safety.
• Inspiring Speeches: Insights from Liberal MPs and community leaders.
• Looking Forward: Trudeau’s pledge to continue supporting the Sikh community.

Prime Minister Trudeau announced a major initiative: a $6 million investment from the recent federal budget to create a dedicated space for Sikh art and culture at the Royal Ontario Museum. This new gallery will celebrate the rich history and cultural heritage of the Sikh community in Canada, highlighting their resilience, bravery, and dedication to equality. One of the highlights of Trudeau’s speech was his tribute to Private Buckham Singh, who came to Canada in 1907 and became the first Sikh Canadian to serve in the Canadian Army during World War I. Singh’s story is a powerful reminder of the contributions and sacrifices made by Sikh Canadians throughout history. Trudeau also addressed the recent arrests related to the 2023 murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, reassuring the audience that Canada’s commitment to justice and safety for all its citizens remains unwavering. “Let us remain calm, let us remain steadfast,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of adhering to democratic principles during trying times.

In addition to the Royal Ontario Museum’s new gallery, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) now hosts Canada’s first permanent space dedicated to Sikh art, located on the fourth floor of the Jean-Noël Desmarais Pavilion. This collection, enriched by the generosity of Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany and Satinder Kaur Kapany of the Sikh Foundation International, features exquisite depictions of Sikh Gurus, Maharajas, ritual objects, and rare nanakshahi coins. The MMFA’s dedication to showcasing Sikh art underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Sikh Canadians. Trudeau’s speech underscored this commitment, emphasizing that the story of Sikh Canadians is an integral part of Canada’s broader narrative, resonating deeply with all attendees.

Generous gifts to UC Santa Cruz from the 5Rivers Foundation and the Sikh Foundation will raise awareness and understanding of Sikhism through two distinct projects. Each project includes paid internships—benefiting students and strengthening the Humanities Division’s commitment to experiential education. Both gifts will also work to raise awareness about the Sikh religion and address persistent misconceptions.

The Sikh Foundation gift establishes a paid undergraduate internship for UC Santa Cruz students over the next five years. Sikh Foundation Student Internship projects may include assisting the foundation in curating art shows, producing videos, and creating other media productions; highlighting the work of Sikh and non Sikh entrepreneurs; and developing educational programming. Interns will also focus on Sikh history, art, language, and culture with the hope of benefitting the Sikh community in California.

“The Sikh Foundation’s mission is to provide awareness of who Sikhs are, what we are, what we believe in, and how we support the right things in life for humanity,“ says Raj Kapany, a board member at the Sikh Foundation and son of the foundation’s founders, Satinder and Dr. Narinder Kapany. Raj Kapany is also a UC Santa Cruz Foundation Trustee.

The gift to The Humanities Institute from the 5Rivers Foundation will support “Sikhs in the 21st Century: Remembering the Past, Engaging the Future,” a new three-year project designed to directly address the misconceptions and general lack of knowledge about Sikhism. It was conceptualized by Nirvikar Singh, an economics professor at UC Santa Cruz, and his academic partner, Inderjit N. Kaur of the University of Michigan.

“Sikhism, although the fifth largest and newest of the major religions, is relatively unknown,” says P. Khanuja of the 5RiversFoundation. “It has aptly been described as a universal religion with its message of oneness. It embodies values of equality, compassion, social justice, and community service. The desire to foster understanding amongst diverse communities serves as a powerful motivator to increase awareness and develop a more inclusive and informed community.”

Both gifts will be transformational for UC Santa Cruz and the Humanities Division.

“We are honored and grateful to receive these meaningful commitments to our Sikh Studies program,” says Jasmine Alinder, dean of the Humanities Division. “I am especially happy that these gifts will have multiple impacts on our students and faculty, while also advancing knowledge of Sikh culture, art, and history. They exemplify the kind of partnership and investment we hope to expand upon.”

The Sikh Foundation and the Sikh Foundation Student Internship

The Sikh Foundation was created in 1967 by Satinder and Narinder Kapany, who were also long-term supporters of UC Santa Cruz. When they launched the foundation, both Satinder and Narinder were in their early 30s and had recently moved to California from India, where they had been born. Narinder had built a career in fiber optics before being recruited by venture capitalists to work in Silicon Valley.

“They were prescient,” says Kiki Kapany, Raj’s sister and fellow board member, describing her parents’ creation of the foundation. “My parents realized there was very little diversity in Silicon Valley at that time and were inspired by their profound connection to Sikh heritage, and to each other, to create a connection between the American and Sikh cultures.” 

A key component of the Sikh Foundation is its unique and extensive art collection. Led by Satinder, the Kapanys spent decades assembling the world’s first-known collection of Sikh art. Encompassing artwork of all kinds from the 17th to the 21st centuries, the remarkable Kapany Collection demonstrates the rich and varied heritage of Sikh art, and helps to preserve and raise awareness of Sikh arts and culture—an especially important role in the face of the Sikh diaspora. A 2022 exhibit at UCSC showcased the collection. The Smithsonian Institution published Sikh Art from the Kapany Collection in 2021.

“My parents wanted the foundation to foster a sense of pride and identity between Sikhs worldwide,” says Kiki, “and to address the lack of global awareness of Sikh culture and art.” 

The Sikh Foundation gift to UC Santa Cruz creates a paid undergraduate internship—the Sikh Foundation Student Internship.

Isha Kamboh (Stevenson ’25, critical race and ethnic studies/legal studies) is the foundation’s first intern in winter quarter 2024.

“It feels like such an honor to be the inaugural intern,” she says. “I had never seen a position like it. It’s an opportunity to engage with my culture and explore aspects of my culture while I’m away from home.”

The daughter of Punjabi immigrants, Kamboh grew up in Southern California. Now in her junior year, the Stevenson College undergraduate is double majoring in legal studies and critical race and ethnic studies and plans to become a lawyer. In addition to her studies and the internship, Kamboh is a resident associate (RA) in her social justice–themed dorm. One reason she accepted the RA leadership role is to share what she learns through the internship with her community and residents, as well as with the broader Cowell College–Stevenson College student population at their community-wide events. Kamboh is also looking forward to engaging students through the internship’s initiative of bringing entrepreneurial Sikh speakers on campus. “Seeing a successful entrepreneur who looks like you is meaningful,” she says. 

The Sikh Foundation Student Internship is grounded in experiential learning and is designed to integrate hands-on training with focused reflection, taking learning from the abstract into practice. The internship aligns with the Humanities Division’s Employing Humanities initiative that provides undergraduates with paid and for-credit experiential learning opportunities that connect their classroom curriculum with hands-on training, including undergraduate research and internships.

“Experiential education is about learning by doing,” says Kiki. “It’s the only way to create thought, and it’s also one with entrepreneurship. Immersing in practical experience and empowering is at the heart of what the Sikh Foundation does.”

“Sikhs in the 21st Century: Remembering the Past, Engaging the Future” 

Through a series of five short videos, the “Sikhs in the 21st Century” program will focus on correcting widespread inaccurate information about Sikh traditions, history, and culture. 

“We want to do things in a scholarly way, including a close review of conventional wisdom,” says Nirvikar Singh, the program’s creator. The videos will be deeply researched, accurate, and engaging, and are primarily intended to inform the practice of academics and scholars, who often shape broader perspectives on Sikhism through their teaching and research. The videos, which will include translation and Punjab subtitles, will also be available to the general public and may be a bridge between scholarship and the Sikh community’s understanding of itself. 

“These are big issues,” says Singh. “We’ll look at specific questions and re-examine them, with special attention to understanding that these are complex issues and not just a matter of scholarship versus belief.” 

Some of the topics covered will be the origins of Sikhism, the Sikh diaspora, and Sikh sacred spaces. UCSC video experts at the Teaching and Learning Center will support the project.

UC Santa Cruz undergraduate alumna and current graduate student Samantha Stringer (Merrill ’20, history, Ph.D. candidate, literature) is a paid intern working alongside the project’s large team of academics and media specialists. To ensure that the videos are rich with visual and aural primary source material, a crucial component in presenting factually accurate information and engaging audiences, Stringer is designing and compiling a new database. Support from the 5Rivers Foundation and The Humanities Institute allows her internship to be paid.

“Internet material disappears,” says Stringer. “We are creating a database that is as secure as possible, and inputting information so that even if the source material is lost, we still have a complete description of it.”

As well as providing the material for the Sikhs in the 21st Century video series, the database captures historical content for potential future use by scholars in many fields. 

“We want to make the data ‘stick’ and be adaptable, and to have uses in addition to our videos. We’re thinking 10 steps ahead, to how the data could get corrupted, and how to make it as secure and usable as possible for different options,” says Stringer. “For example, I hope an art historian could come in and find it useful for their work, or a historian of U.S. immigration.”

At this time the database includes approximately 500 “objects,” ranging from very early manuscripts and manuscripts on ritual practice, to representations of artwork, to contemporary music productions. 

In addition to the videos, the 5Rivers Foundation is funding other activities of the “Sikhs in the 21st Century” program, including providing mini-grants for young faculty studying various aspects of Sikhism, organizing conferences and workshops to share and discuss the grant-funded products, as well as generating ideas for new projects.

“ ‘Sikhs in the 21st Century’ is the kind of interdisciplinary, public-facing scholarly project that The Humanities Institute is proud to be able to help facilitate. It’s a complicated, ambitious project, as evidenced by the wide-ranging team, including an economist, an ethnomusicologist, a language specialist, a scholar in critical race and ethnic studies, regional and national partners, videographers, and a clutch of graduate student researchers,” says Pranav Anand, UC Santa Cruz professor, Department of Linguistics, and faculty director of The Humanities Institute. “The role of The Humanities Institute is to ensure that this amazing group of scholars and practitioners can achieve their vision.”