In the heart of UBC’s vibrant campus, the UBC Bhangra Club stands tall as more than just a dance group.
Founded on October 1, 1992, it has long served as a platform for Punjabi cultural expression. But today, it’s evolved into a dynamic movement, one rooted in community, cultural pride, and seva, aka selfless service.
With over 50 active members, the club has become a powerful example of how tradition can fuel impact. Through fundraising, performance, and shared purpose, the club now plays a central role in shaping cultural confidence and philanthropic spirit on campus.
Co-president and member for three years, Esha Deol, a fifth-year student majoring in health, nutrition, and food, is helping lead the club into a new era. Under her leadership, and alongside presidential teammates Tajveer Grewal, Ekam Mangat, and Prisha Verma, the club recently donated a remarkable $80,000 to the Pingalwara Society, a humanitarian organization in India providing support to the elderly, disabled, and homeless through education and healthcare programs.
“We chose Pingalwara because of their work in education and healthcare,” explains Esha. “We also wanted to introduce this cause to our UBC peers to spark conversation and understanding.”
Esha’s visit to the Pingalwara compound in India further deepened her commitment. “Whether it was at their prosthetic clinic, their school for the deaf, or medical facilities, the sense of community was undeniable,” she says. “It reminded me that when you believe in your team and the process, anything is possible.”
“Being a first-generation Canadian, I knew from an early age that I wanted to make the most of the opportunities my parents gave me. Opportunities they never had!” says Esha. “I think I speak for all our members when I say that this shared experience shaped our ambition.”
That ambition has become a club legacy. In 2023, the UBC Bhangra Club donated $65,000 to Khalsa Aid. Each year, the bar gets higher and the impact deeper. This year’s donation to Pingalwara was more than numbers. It was about raising awareness for a cause close to the community’s heart.
Yet beyond the fundraising, the UBC Bhangra Club’s influence is personal. It’s helped countless students reconnect with their identity. “I’m now so proud of my Punjabi background,” says Esha. “Like many first-generation Canadians, I struggled with the balance between Western expectations and cultural heritage. But through the club, I found people who understood. That made all the difference.”
Leadership has also been a core takeaway. “This club gives you a space to grow, build leadership skills, and gain confidence, all while being surrounded by your friends and peers,” she says.
Looking ahead, Esha believes that the club’s work will inspire future student leaders. “I truly hope each year sets a new record in giving and engagement. Just because we’re young doesn’t mean we can’t create lasting change.”
From stage performances to meaningful service, the UBC Bhangra Club continues to redefine what student organizations can do, keeping culture alive while dancing its way toward a better future for all.
