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Sania Kaur Bhella

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

My name is Sania Kaur Bhella and I am a recent graduate from UC Davis
with a Bachelors in Science and was involved with Khalsa School since I
was 7 years old. Khalsa School has been an immensely important asset to
my life that without, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

My journey with Khalsa School started as I learned my mother tongue,
Punjabi. Learning to read, write, and speak in Punjabi was something I
participated in every Sunday, and this experience gave me a glimpse into
my roots and heritage. After having graduated from Khalsa School, I
taught for 5 years to give back what I learned to the youth. This is one
of my favorite memories because working with young children who had
the same enthusiasm as I had, made me realize how much Khalsa School
fostered an environment that relied on one another to keep our culture
and religion alive. I look back and see how these classes are helping to
keep our language thriving and are ensuring that future generations will speak and pass down our boli
to more generations to come.

The Hemkunt Speech Competition was one of my experiences from Khalsa School that I will never forget.
I remember writing speeches from a young age, reading the Sakhis of the Gurus, and trying to bring
their teachings to life through my speeches. Being only 8 years old and getting up on stage to deliver a
speech among so many respected people was daunting but gave me the confidence to speak about my
religion with my head held high. Countless drafts, memorizing the words, and practicing hand gestures
became second nature. Researching topics on Sikh marriages, death, the meanings behind our various
forms of bani taught me so much about the nuances of our religion and the beliefs of our Gurus. I will
never forget the day I won the International Competition in 2013 which was held in Washington. Hearing
my name called out as first place made me so proud and I thank Waheguru for that moment till this day.

Kirtan gave me skills and teachings that I will forever carry with me. Learning the various raags in the
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and singing bani is a privilege that I honor. I learned how to play the harmonium,
and, most prominently, the rabab which became a part of me. I remember practicing hard for the Kirtan
competitions, rehearsing taans and alaaps to perfection. Kirtan is a way not only to connect to Waheguru,
but also to find peace within myself. It was when I participated in the Kirtan competitions with my peers
and when we sat together to sing gurbani that I realized how much it brought people together. The skills
that I learned through my teachers and professors on how to sing, play melodiously, and engage in
shabads is something that is always with me.

My time in Khalsa School and with the Hemkunt Foundation brought me closer to Sikhi and gave me a deep
appreciation for my identity that I carry everyday. It shaped my childhood and set the framework for
who I am as a person. How I treat others, the decisions I make, my work ethic, my drive, passion, etc.
all start here. It gave me a family that pushes me to be a good Sikh and never fails to support one
another. I am grateful that Waheguru blessed me with an outlet that always provides me with new
teachings and knowledge. Through being involved, I learned the sikhia that guide me on how to live my
life according to gurbani.