[Photograph of Kuldeep Manak performing at the Ghadri Babe Mela in Surrey]

Photograph of Kuldeep Manak performing at the Ghadri Babe Mela organised by Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada) in Bear Creek, Surrey, British Columbia (B.C.).

Kuldeep Manak (November 15, 1949 - November 30, 2011) was born in Jalal, a village in the district of Bathinda in Panjab, India. Manak, born Latif Mohammed Khan, was a renowned Indian singer and Panjabi folk singer best known for singing a genre of Panjabi music, known as Kali. He rose to fame in the 1970s with iconic albums such as Ik Tara, and became famous for his emotive singing and unique vocal style. Often called "Kaliyan da Badshah" for his mastery of the Kali genre, Manak left a lasting impact on Panjabi music. He passed away on November 30, 2011, in Ludhiana, Punjab, following complications from pneumonia.

Mela Ghadri Babeyan Da is an annual cultural and commemorative event held in both Punjab, India, and Surrey, Canada, to honor the legacy of the Ghadar Party and the Punjabi revolutionaries who contributed to India's struggle for independence. The event highlights the historical significance of the Ghadar movement through educational talks, literature, and cultural performances that reflect the spirit of resistance, justice, and community pride. The mela serves as a platform to inform and engage the public—especially younger generations—about the sacrifices of Ghadri Babey (revolutionary elders), the global scope of the movement, and its roots in Punjab. It also emphasizes Punjabi language, culture, and political awareness, encouraging ongoing dialogue about identity, activism, and heritage in the diaspora.

The Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation is a cultural organization dedicated to promoting Punjabi literature, history, and heritage. Named after renowned Punjabi poet Professor Mohan Singh, the foundation operates in both Punjab (India) and Canada, organizing events such as poetry festivals and historical commemorations. It aims to preserve the legacy of Punjabi thinkers and revolutionaries while engaging communities, especially youth, in cultural and educational initiatives.