Our Team
Staff
Hardeep Singh Sahota
Hardeep Sahota is the General Manager of Royal Academy of Punjab and the first certified Bhangra Instructor in Canada under the CTDA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association). Through Royal Academy of Punjab, he has raised the bar for bhangra institutes, bringing a professional and strategic structure to teaching and showcasing Punjabi Folk Bhangra, not only in Surrey BC, but on provincial, national and international stages. Hardeep Sahota has participated, judged, coached and produced Bhangra events and festivals all over the world since 2008.
Anita Lal
Anita Lal is the Business Development Manager at Royal Academy of Punjab. Her values of seva, social justice and advocacy fuel her work as the co-founder of Poetic Justice Foundation where she has been creating impactful and transformative programming, organizing, and activating her community. Her approach is always inclusive, intersectional and critical. Anita serves on Boards and Advisory Committees for the Province of BC’s Punjabi Canadian Legacy Project, South Asian Studies Institute at The University of the Fraser Valley, and Seva Thrift Society. She is inspired by Dr. Ambedkar’s words: Educate. Agitate. Organize.
Deeksha Arora
Deeksha Arora is the Senior Dance Instructor at Royal Academy of Punjab. She has been an integral part of the Royals success for more than seven years. Deeksha is a certified Giddha Instructor through the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA). Deeksha has won national and international bhangra competitions with the Senior Royal Queenz team and coaches elite teams for competition. Deeksha is a Simon Fraser University graduate and holds a degree in Criminology and Child Psychology. Her passion for Punjabi folk art fuels her pursuit for higher learning and achievements in the arts sector, as well as giving back to the community by connecting future generations to their heritage.
Manisha Malhi
Manisha Malhi is a Senior Bhangra/Giddha instructor for junior and senior boys and girls. Manisha first joined the academy in 2016 as a student and has been connected to Punjabi folk dances since. Manisha became an instructor in 2018, and has been actively involved in Royal Academy community programs. She is a member of the senior girl’s competitive team Royal Queenz, with whom she has won many local, national and international competitions. Her goal is to continuously challenge herself artistically and support her students on their artistic journey.
Simranjit Singh
Simranjit Singh, born and raised in Delhi, developed a profound passion for the art of Bhangra early in life. This passion led him to dedicate his career to preserving and promoting Punjabi performing arts. Since 2019, Simranjit has been an integral part of the Royal Academy of Punjab, where he has been actively teaching and working toward advancing Punjabi dance. As a coach and leader, his commitment to fostering cultural heritage and artistic expression has made a significant impact on his students and the broader community. Simranjit’s work continues to inspire the next generation of dancers, keeping the vibrant spirit of Bhangra alive.
Board Members
Vijay Yamla
Director
Hardeep Singh Sahota
General Manager
Anita Lal
Business Development Manager
Manpal Rana
Advisory Board
Paramjit Singh Sidhu
Director
Carol Cousloun
Director
Harjit Singh Sahota
Director
Madan Chauhan
Advisory Board