The lively beats of Bhangra echoed within the studio walls of BC Cultural Bhangra Academy in Surrey, BC, reflecting the unwavering spirit of its founder, Rupee Kainth. His journey from a passionate child dancer to the visionary leader of one of Canada’s most prominent cultural academies—embodies a tale of dedication, perseverance, and the persistent support of a community that stood by his side.
Rupee Kainth’s deep-rooted passion for Bhangra grew during his formative years in India when he began learning the cultural form at the tender age of four.
Despite pursuing Mechanical Engineering during his tertiary education, Kainth’s passionate involvement in Bhangra continued. In 1997, his journey led him to Canada, where he confronted the challenges of forging a new path while fulfilling familial responsibilities to his children, Jada and Subegh. Throughout these endeavors, Kainth’s devotion to Bhangra remained persistent and unbendable.
“In 2016, I faced a significant health setback with a diagnosis of bone cancer,” he reveals. “Plunged into profound despair, I grappled with the challenging obstacles ahead. Soon after, I faced challenges with liver disease.”
With pure determination and boundless passion, Kainth embarked on a mission to share his love for Bhangra. What started as impromptu dance sessions in parking lots soon evolved into the establishment of the BC Cultural Bhangra Academy in 2003. This academy became a sanctuary where students learned the art of Bhangra and imbibed invaluable life lessons in leadership, teamwork, and communication.
Under Kainth’s guidance, the academy flourished, becoming a beacon of Punjabi heritage in Canada. Beyond learning bhangra, Rupee instilled respect, openness, and community engagement within his students. The academy’s impact extended beyond its walls, with students participating in various significant events, such as the 2010 Winter Olympics, festivals, and charity events. BC Cultural raised funds for Surrey Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, leaving an unforgettable mark on Surrey’s Punjabi cultural landscape.
Like a burgeoning seedling rising from the barren earth, Kainth endured the arduous journey and blossomed into the person he had always been meant to be—strong, determined, and nothing could stand in his way.
Sadly, Kainth’s journey took a turn with one sickness on top of another.
“In 2016, I faced a significant health setback with a diagnosis of bone cancer,” he reveals. “Plunged into profound despair, I grappled with the challenging obstacles ahead. Soon after, I faced challenges with liver disease.”
However, with his community’s unwavering support and persistent belief in his dreams, Kainth emerged triumphant from this long nightmare. The #GiveRupeeLife campaign swiftly gained momentum, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration during his battle against liver disease and subsequent liver transplant surgery in July 2023. This campaign not only provided Kainth with the essential medical support he needed, but also infused his days with renewed hope, happiness, and a sense of purpose during his period of wait and recovery.
“It underscored the profound bond between me and my extensive network of students, friends, and extended family. Their collective determination to help me overcome hardship, uplifted me to embrace my challenges with resilience and optimism.”
Now that Rupee is on his path to recovery, he is ready to return to the bhangra scene. His infectious optimism and unwavering spirit serve as a beacon of inspiration as he gears up for the Bhangra Revolution Competition at the Hard Rock Casino on May 4th, 2024. The competition celebrates the art of dance and pays homage to Kainth’s resilience and unwavering dedication to preserving his culture.
Like a burgeoning seedling rising from the barren earth, Kainth endured the arduous journey and blossomed into the person he had always been meant to be—strong, determined, and nothing could stand in his way.
