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Royal Academy of Punjab Society Approved to Offer High School Credits in British Columbia

July 24, 2026

Royal Academy of Punjab Society Approved to Offer High School Credits in British Columbia

We are proud to announce a historic milestone for the Royal Academy of Punjab Society and the Punjabi community across British Columbia.

The Royal Academy of Punjab Society has been officially approved by the British Columbia Ministry of Education and Child Care as an External Credential Provider for Punjabi Folk Dance (Bhangra). This approval allows eligible students to earn Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12 External Credentials that count toward graduation requirements for the BC Dogwood Diploma.

This achievement is more than an educational milestone—it is a recognition of Punjabi folk arts as an important part of British Columbia’s educational and cultural landscape.

What Does This Mean for Students?

Students who successfully complete the approved Punjabi Folk Dance (Bhangra) External Credential program through the Royal Academy of Punjab can receive:

  • Grade 10 External Credential

  • Grade 11 External Credential

  • Grade 12 External Credential

These credits are recognized by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care and may be applied toward eligible high school graduation requirements in British Columbia.

A Milestone for Punjabi Folk Arts

For generations, Punjabi folk dance has been a powerful expression of history, identity, storytelling, and community. Through Bhangra, students develop discipline, teamwork, confidence, leadership, and a deeper understanding of Punjabi heritage.

This provincial recognition acknowledges the educational value of Punjabi folk arts and helps preserve these traditions for future generations while creating meaningful opportunities for youth.

About the Royal Academy of Punjab

Founded in 2012, the Royal Academy of Punjab Society is a registered charitable arts organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing Punjabi folk arts through education, performance, community engagement, and cultural leadership.

Our programs serve children, youth, adults, and families through:

  • Punjabi Folk Dance (Bhangra)

  • Giddha

  • Folk music and cultural education

  • Performance opportunities

  • Artist development

  • Community festivals and cultural events

With locations in Surrey, Calgary, Edmonton, and New Delhi, we continue to inspire students to embrace their heritage while developing confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills.

Looking Ahead

This recognition represents an exciting new chapter for Punjabi folk arts education in British Columbia. We are honoured to continue serving our communities while helping students celebrate their culture through meaningful educational opportunities.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our students, families, instructors, volunteers, supporters, and community partners whose trust and dedication have made this achievement possible.

Together, we will continue preserving the rich traditions of Punjab while inspiring future generations through arts, education, and culture.

Royal Academy of Punjab
📍 Unit 202 – 12451 82 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3W 3E9
📞 604-401-6700
🌐 www.royalacademy.org

Discover a World of Punjabi Culture.

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COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan
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Royal Academy of Punjab

Covid-19 Health and Safety Plan

Safe Physical Distancing: The dance floor has been marked into safe distance zones whichare at least 2 metres apart or more. Only one person is permitted per marker, and please stayin your marked area.

Hand washing: Please wash your hands or sanitize before your class and after your class.Use the sinks in the washrooms (one person at a time)

Masks: The most recent recommendation from Canada’s public health is that of wearing anon-medical masks or face covering as an additional layer of protection, even when physicaldistancing is active at the studio.

We recommend you wear a mask while attending a class if you are comfortable doing so, but do take it offif you experience dizziness or a shortness of breath while wearing it.

Our Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols: We have implemented enhanced antibacterialand antiviral cleaning and sanitizing protocols for all common areas and surfaces, includingwashrooms, light switches, door handles. etc. This includes increasing the frequency thatthese items are cleaned (number of times per day) as well as the timing (before and afterclasses).

If You Feel Unwell: If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, a cough, sorethroat, stuffy or runny nose, etc, or if you are in proximity with someone who is ill, please stayhome and DO NOT attend classes (This will be strictly enforced).

Class Times: We are staggering our class start times with a break between classes to allowfor cleaning and sanitization as well as to prevent large groups from congregating in thestudio during class cross over.

Limited contact: Staff and students are asked to please refrain from high fives and hugs forthe time being from public health advisors.

Travel: If you have recently travelled internationally, please stay home, self - isolate yourself,and refrain from attending the classes. Also, if you have travelled across different provinceswith-in Canada, it is mandatory to let us know in advance.

PARENTS: You can help! Please help your children read and understand these guidelines if youdecide to send them for their classes at the studio.We have given the full control to ourparents to make the decision of whether to send the children to the studio or continue theirclasses on ZOOM. We recommend to encourage the students to take safety as a priority andthen learn to keep themselves safe.