In the heart of Surrey, BC, the vibrant beats of Bhangra echoed for years through the walls of BC Cultural Bhangra Academy, a testament to the indomitable spirit of its founder, Rupee Kainth. His journey from a determined child dancer to the visionary leader of one of Canada's largest cultural academies is a story of passion, dedication, and the unwavering support of a community that has rallied behind him.
Kainth's tryst with Bhangra began at the tender age of three, a love ignited by the rhythm that resonated with his soul. Life brought him to Canada in 1997, where he continued to dance with local clubs. However, family challenges and his father's illness in India pushed Kainth into a relentless cycle of work, juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. His hiatus from Bhangra was brief as a family friend asked Kainth to teach her kids a Bhangra routine for a family event. This was just enough to reignite the flame. What started with a two-student class in a parking lot soon burgeoned to 100, forcing Kainth to seek a bigger space.
The birth of BC Cultural in 2003 marked the realization of a dream – an academy that would not just teach Bhangra, but weave a tapestry of Punjabi culture in the fabric of Canada. With minimal resources, he shaped BC Cultural into a thriving academy. “We competed in 171 competitions and we have 171 trophies.”, shares Kainth. Additionally, BC Cultural raised funds for Surrey Memorial Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and left an indelible mark on events like the Winter Olympics in 2010.
Amidst the whirlwind of establishing BC Cultural, life threw another challenge at Kainth – single parenthood, a responsibility that Kainth embraced wholeheartedly, going as far as attending parenting seminars to equip himself with the tools needed to nurture and support his children, Jada and Subegh. However, life took an unexpected turn in 2018 when Kainth faced a health crisis. Diagnosed with cancer, Kainth stood at the precipice of a daunting journey. The prospect of an extensive organ transplant required financial backing, post-medications, care aid post-surgery, and the installation of hospital gear, all looming as formidable obstacles on this arduous path.
In the shadows of despair, Kainth faced a darkness that threatened to engulf him. Suicidal thoughts loomed, casting a pall over his existence, and he became a mere spectator in the passage of months that melted into over five years. Yet, in the face of adversity, the believer of Baba Deep Singh Ji refused to give up. Moreover, the community responded with an outpouring of support, encapsulated in the #GiveKainthLife campaign that became a lifeline for his dreams. "All my students are like my kids." Kainth emphasizes, his words laden with gratitude. Amidst the harsh landscape of illness, he found solace in spirituality and discovered that friends, in their unwavering support, transformed into a chosen family.
Today, as Kainth prepares for the Bhangra Revolution at Hard Rock Casino to be held on May 18, 2024, the go-getter envisions a bright future. His aura embodies optimism, and the competition itself, with its international judges and fierce talent, symbolizes not just a celebration of dance, but a testament to Kainth's spirit. Rupee Kainth's journey, undoubtedly, is a melody of perseverance, love, and the profound impact of community, reminding us all that in the heart of Surrey, the beats of Bhangra echo the resilience of a man who dared to dream.
To donate to Rupee Kainth, e-transfer via giverupeelife@gmail.com.