Our Mission
Our mission is to foster deep connections through a comprehensive educational approach that combines traditional teachings with modern insights. We focus on unraveling the philosophical and psychological significance of the Gurmat Kirtan tradition for the benefit of humanity. As a nonprofit organization established in 1994, we lead the way in utilizing Naad from Gurmat Kirtan Traditions to enhance mental and emotional well-being. Our aim is to impart ancient wisdom for a more enlightened future, supporting spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional harmony. Through a nurturing and secure learning environment, we encourage exploration and personal growth, guiding individuals towards a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Founder
Professor Surinder Singh
Yogi of Sound
Professor Surinder Singh, celebrated as the "Yogi of Sound," envisioned a radiant sanctuary where ancient traditions of sound could be lavishly shared with the world. Amid modern chaos, where shortcuts veil authenticity, he saw the pressing need to connect future generations with the past's beauty. Defying current norms, Professor Surinder Singh embarked on a mission—not just to preserve the majestic Gurmat Kirtan Tradition but to launch a groundbreaking initiative linking yesterday's wisdom with tomorrow's seekers.
On September 5, 1994, he founded Raj Academy, with a clear mission: partner with top educational bodies to illuminate communities about precious precolonial heritage and its modern-day relevance. With steadfast passion, he revived the traditional instruments of the Guru's court, securing their revered role in today's Kirtan. Raj Academy now shines as a beacon of transformation, spreading waves of change far and wide.
From its inception, Raj Academy has resolutely explored sound's profound purpose, urging a return to our roots beyond mere religious entertainment. Through this esteemed institution, Professor Surinder Singh has archived Gurmat Kirtan, conducted pioneering research, and developed educational programs. This revolutionary work led to creating a BTEC National Diploma (1998,) a Bachelor of Music (2005,) and a Master's degree in Naad Yoga (2007,) all in collaboration with the University of West London.
The documentary "Sikh Musical Heritage: The Untold Story" was a pivotal moment, showcasing Sikh traditions' rich cultural legacy and sound's healing power to a global audience. Professor Surinder Singh's grand vision is to extend the generous legacy of Gurmat traditions worldwide. He achieved this by establishing an online school through Raj Academy, where seekers can luxuriate in the art of sound from home, embracing the ethos that "whatever is not shared is lost."
Travel back to the enchanting era of the 1990s in the United Kingdom, where every corner echoed with the vibrant spirit of community organizations, Gurdvaras, and Punjabi schools filled with eager students. Yet, as I wandered through these halls of learning, a bittersweet realization began to dawn — the promises made to students were not quite what they seemed.
Instead of being introduced to the sacred script of Gurmukhi, students were handed Punjabi language lessons and certifications like GCSEs and A-Levels. While these credentials held their own value, they seemed to drift further from the true essence of what was meant to be shared. Within the sacred walls of the Gurdvaras, a poignant truth emerged: children struggled to understand even the basics of Gurbani. Only a rare few, guided by the love of their mothers or the wisdom of grandparents, could truly grasp its depth. The divide between being Sikh and being Punjabi widened with each passing day — a pattern mirrored across Europe and North America.
Venturing into Kirtan classes revealed an even more disheartening reality. Enthusiastic but untrained individuals and non-professional teachers attempted to pass on the sacred art, often reducing it to a fusion of popular music and Indian classical tunes. The soulful tradition of Gurmat Kirtan was being overshadowed by commercialization, with harmoniums and tablas taking center stage. The emotional depth, the sublime feeling, the spiritual atmosphere that once wrapped around listeners was fading — replaced by a spectacle of religious performance rather than a path to inner awakening.
A pivotal moment came when Professor Surinder Singh visited a gathering in a London suburb, where he witnessed the heart-wrenching mistreatment of a child by a Kirtan teacher. Seeing the unprofessionalism and unsafe teaching practices firsthand, he resolved not just to speak about change, but to create it. Out of this conviction, the vision of Raj Academy was born — a beacon of light devoted to restoring the purity and depth of the Gurmat Kirtan tradition.
Today, Raj Academy stands as a global leader in reviving the sacred practice of Gurmat Kirtan, where preservation, purposeful practice, and the transformative power of sound take center stage. Embracing the original instruments of the Gurus — the Rabab, Saranda, Jori, Sarangi, Taus, and Dilruba — this nonprofit institute is decolonizing heritage by sharing age-old traditions with humanity. Through tireless dedication, Raj Academy has ignited a worldwide wave of authentic Kirtan practice, honoring the legacy of the Gurus and bringing a resonant harmony to all those who seek solace in the sacred sound of Gurmat Kirtan.
Timeline
1994: Raj Academy is founded.
1995: Open College Network (OCN) for Outreach, UK
1999: B.Tech National Diploma, Edxel, UK
2001: Launch of Mere Mun,' the world's biggest album archiving 59 Raag from Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
2004: World's first Bachelor's degree in Gurmat Kirtan with the University of West London.
2005: Awarded the PTC award for Anhad - Beyond Sound
2006: Professor Surinder Singh, Yogi of Sound, is conferred a Professorship in Musicology by the University of West London for his pioneering work in the revival and education of Gurmat Kirtan.
2008: Release of the album Partaal: Rhythms of Life.
2009: Raj Academy became a registered nonprofit in the United Kingdom.
2010: World's first Master's degree in Naad Yoga with the University of West London
2012: Raj Academy launches its United States chapter as a registered nonprofit (501-c-3)
2012: Broadcast of a 72-episode series on Sikh musicology, The Living Guru & Sabd Guru, aired in both English and Panjabi on Zee Panjabi for over two years.
2013: Release of Mantr.
2014: Release of Vaar Asa – Wisdom of Life, the first known recording in over 300 years presenting Vaar Asa as written in Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
2016: Launch of the Raj Academy Web School, an online learning platform making Gurmat Kirtan education accessible worldwide.
2017: World premiere of our documentary: Sikh Musical Heritage - The Untold Story at the Sikh Art and Film Festival, New York.
2018: Sikh Musical Heritage documentary awarded Audience Choice Award at Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival.
2019: Reshoot of Web school courses expanded with practice videos and 36 weeks a year.
2020: An online Raag series launched on YouTube during the Covid lockdown.
2021: Launch of the Rababi Outreach Program, providing accessible group-based learning in Kirtan.
2021: Release of Besides You: Raag Bairaarree alaap single.
2021: Release of Ardaas: The Prayer.
2022: Release of Aartee: An Anthem for the Universe.
2025: Forthcoming release of Sohila: Sweet Nights. offering a helping hand in healing to humanity with Insomnia and dementia.
Core Values
Preserving Gurmat Kirtan heritage
Committed to upholding and teachings of Gurmat Kirtan Tradition passed down from the Sikh Gurus and reviving traditional instruments.
Integrity & Authenticity
Staying true to the original framework and purpose of Gurmat Kirtan as prescribed in Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Sangat & Seva
Our outreach initiatives and events like Dukh Bhanjan aim to foster mental, physical and emotional connection among participants.
Glimpse into Our World
