The Sikh Centennial Gala commenced in 1997 to commemorate the centenary of Sikh settlement in Canada. Since then it has been privileged to be at the forefront of promoting Sikh heritage and culture by celebrating the participation and excellence achieved by Sikhs and non-Sikhs in all aspects of civil, social and cultural life.
The Sikh Centennial Gala has become the highlight of the year for the Sikh Diaspora from around the world and is counted among the most prestigious South Asian events hosted in North America.
In addition to showcasing exceptional art and entertainment connected to Sikh heritage, every year the Sikh Centennial Gala honours both exemplary Sikhs and Non-Sikhs whose accomplishments deserve recognition. In the past, honourees have included the Prime Minister of Canada, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, UN mandated humanitarians, leaders of industry, distinguished entrepreneurs, inspiring athletes and accomplished artists.
The Sikh Foundation is also proud to be approved by the Government of Canada as a not-for-profit organization. All of the funds raised by the Sikh Centennial Gala are used towards event expenses and related activities.
Our Mission
Each year at the Gala we seek to promote Sikh heritage and culture by increasing the awareness and understanding of Sikh milestones; promoting an understanding of the Sikh way of life amongst the community at large; creating and fostering a positive and accurate image of Sikhs in the media; and sharing inspirational stories of excellence achieved by Sikhs and non-Sikhs in accordance with the principles of Sikhism.
2012 Committee
The following Committee Members have been appointed to organize and prepare for the Centennial Gala.
Puneet Mann graduated from the University of Toronto and is a Senior Manager responsible for Strategic Initiatives and Project Management for Scotiabank’s Canadian insurance business; ScotiaLife Financial. Prior to this, Puneet has worked in a variety of industries including health care, natural resources, and consumer products.
Puneet is Chair of the Centennial Gala Committee and began working with the Sikh Foundation of Canada in 2009. Her role centers around overseeing the various functions related to organizing the gala. Puneet has a passion for Sikh history, art, and culture and has been involved in many organizations that support and highlight South Asian, Punjabi and Sikh heritage including the South Asian Heritage Foundation and the Deepak Binning Foundation. Puneet is also currently assisting the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto.
Gurbani Marwah graduated from McGill University in English and Philosophy and is the Digital Marketing Coordinator for Cineplex Entertainment, responsible for national digital marketing for their brand and film studio initiatives.
Prior to this, Gurbani worked in India teaching English and creative learning to children with the charitable organization Salaam Baalak Trust. While in India, Gurbani also traveled and worked with numerous other charities all concerning street children. This is Gurbani’s second year on the Centennial Gala Committee and is managing all marketing support.
Hardeep Saund has a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in manufacturing from Ryerson University and is currently pursuing his MBA at The Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.
Having started his career in the automotive industry working as a project engineer for a tier one supplier to Caterpillar, Hardeep has shifted gears and is now working as an internal consultant in the field of Six Sigma with a major CPG company.
In his down time Hardeep has a passion for playing the dhol, a north Indian drum, which he has taught in Toronto for 10 years and performed on many stages in Toronto, Brazil, America and England with his team.
He is the founder of The Dhol Foundation in Toronto which was launched in 2002 and is currently managing The JT & MC JD Roadshow led by JT Saund. Hardeep has been involved with Sikh Centennial Gala for 4 years in the capacity of an entertainer and this year has joined the committee as the entertainment and volunteer lead.
Opi Marok is a sales and marketing professional with over 12 years experience with Steelcase Canada. He completed his BBA at Schulich School of Business in 1999 and completed his MBA in 2007 at Queen’s University.
This is his first year on the Sikh Centennial Gala Committee and he is responsible for managing event logistics.
Pavan Ubhi is currently a student at the University of Toronto Mississauga. She is extensively involved with the community and has been volunteer with the Centennial Gala for many years.
This year Pavan joined has joined the Gala organizing committee for the first time.
Sarbjit Kaur has more than ten years of experience in Government, Communications, Marketing and Journalism. Prior to establishing Kaur Communications and joining Argyle Communications in 2010, Sarbjit served as Senior Communications Advisor to the Minister in four Ontario Ministries. Sarbjit has also worked in a senior marketing role with the Ontario Public Service and so has excellent knowledge of legislative, policy, stakeholder and political processes.
Sarbjit holds a degree in Journalism from Ryerson University and has worked as a writer and editor with articles appearing in The Mississauga News, The Toronto Star and others. She is a member of the Mississauga Summit Steering Committee, The (SAGIG) South Asian Gala in the Garden organizing committee, L.I.F.E annual gala organizing committee and is a member of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce.
Sundeep Sandhu is a Senior Manager in Advisory Services group at Ernst & Young and has been with the firm for almost 10 years. She is an alumni of the University of Toronto and has her Masters in Information Technology and International Business from the UK.
This is her second year working with the Sikh Centennial Gala Committee and she is responsible for managing sponsorships and finance.
