Role and Authority

The Board of Directors is the highest governing body of the Institute. It is responsible for fiduciary oversight, institutional strategy, financial sustainability, and policy approval.

The Board does not exercise authority over curriculum design, academic grading, or research evaluation. Academic matters are delegated to the Academic Council.

Composition

The Board is composed of the Institute’s founding members with expertise in governance, finance, education, community leadership, and institutional development. Directors serve fixed terms in accordance with the Institute’s bylaws.

Officers of the Board include:

Gian Singh Sandhu

Gian Singh Sandhu serves as Chair of the Board of Directors, providing governance oversight, strategic direction, and fiduciary stewardship. In this capacity, he works with fellow Directors to ensure institutional accountability, financial sustainability, and alignment with the Institute’s mission and regulatory responsibilities.

Mr. Sandhu brings extensive experience in corporate leadership and non-profit governance. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer and President of a group of forest products companies in British Columbia, where he led complex operations, financial management, and long-term strategic planning. His governance experience spans commercial enterprises, charitable organizations, and advisory boards at regional, provincial, and national levels.

Through his leadership, the Board maintains its collective responsibility for institutional policy, risk oversight, and long-term strategic planning


Harpreet Singh Dardi

Harpreet Singh Dardi is the President of Chardikala Time TV in North America and the Vice President of the Chardikala Group in Patiala, India.  His responsibilities extend across strategic oversight of the TV networks and the Group’s education and publishing businesses. Harpreet Singh holds an MBA in Management Information Systems from Concordia University, Wisconsin, equipping him with a solid understanding of business strategy and IT’s role in the modern business environment.

Beyond his corporate roles, Mr. Dardi is actively involved in community development as a Board Member of the ‘Institute of Gurmat Studies, promoting Sikh philosophy, theology, and history. He also contributes significantly to various charities, showing his commitment to social responsibility.


Gurjit Kaur Bains

Gurjit Kaur Bains is an educator and lawyer with professional experience in education, equity policy, and governance. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from City University, London, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Osgoode Hall Law School.

Ms. Bains brings expertise in legal analysis, public policy, equity, and institutional compliance. She has contributed to advisory and governance initiatives in healthcare and higher education settings, including work related to equity, diversity, and program development.

Her background in law, education, and public service strengthens the Board’s oversight of governance, regulatory compliance, and institutional policy.


Jaswinder Singh Parmar

Jaswinder Singh Parmar, a distinguished entrepreneur, is the President & CEO of AMC Insurance Services. Under his leadership, AMC has established nine robust branches across British Columbia. A law graduate from Ajmer University, Rajasthan, India, Mr. Parmar’s legal expertise has significantly contributed to his success in the business world. In addition to insurance, Mr. Parmar has showcased his skills as a real estate developer, creating diverse residential and commercial complexes.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Parmar is a dedicated philanthropist. He supports numerous charities, focusing on education, health, and poverty alleviation. One of his noteworthy initiatives is providing scholarships to nine high school students annually, empowering them to pursue a university education. Jaswinder Singh is a dynamic business figure with a deep commitment to community service. His achievements in the insurance and real estate sectors and his passion for philanthropy underline his multifaceted role in society.


Dr. Kamaljit Kaur Sidhu

Dr. Kamaljit Kaur Sidhu has over 30 years’ experience as an educator and former registered psychologist in British Columbia. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan, including elementary, high school and university level students. Dr. Sidhu completed her Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia (2000), with a doctoral dissertation titled ‘Second Generation Sikh Adolescent Males – A Grounded Theory Model of Self and Identity Construction.’ She has served as board member for several organizations including the British Columbia School Counsellors’ Association and as a board member and Past President for the British Columbia Psychological Association.