Diwali-inspired nonprofit gives scholarships to South Asian girls at Surrey event
Published 6:00 pm Monday, October 26, 2026
A Surrey-based non-profit organization, inspired by the spirit of Diwali, has awarded more scholarships to South Asian girls in B.C. high schools.
Be the Light Society (BTLS) recently held a luncheon at Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge to celebrate educational achievement, resilience and the power of community support.
Twenty students were each given a $2,500 scholarship to support pursuit of post-secondary education, representing a $50,000 investment by BTLS for 2025-26.
Since inception a few years ago, Be the Light Society awarded 62 scholarships totalling $155,000.
“Every scholarship represents more than financial assistance,” said Karen Dosanjh, BTLS advisory board member. “It is a message to a young woman that her potential matters, her dreams are worth pursuing and her community believes in her. As we celebrate Diwali, we are reminded that light grows when it is shared. By helping young women overcome financial barriers and pursue their educational dreams, we are helping them discover their own light and their opportunity to shine bright.”
The organization’s work is made possible through donors, corporate partners and community members. BTLS will be donating another 20 of the $2,500 scholarships in 2027, Dosanjh noted.
“South Asian women and girls can face unique cultural, financial and systemic barriers to education and leadership opportunities,” she said. “By investing in their potential, we help break down these barriers, amplify their voices and create a more equitable future where every young woman has the opportunity to pursue her ambitions and make her mark in the world.”
For more details and photos visit bethelightsociety.ca.
Be the Light Society scholarship recipients for 2025/2026:
Adhisri Lakshmi Venkat, R. E. Mountain Secondary
Arisha Khawaja, Sullivan Heights Secondary
Arpann Grewal, Rick Hansen Secondary
Arsheen Garcha, North Surrey Secondary
Dhriti Kapoor, Enver Creek Secondary
Hardiya Sahota, L.A. Matheson Secondary
Harleen Chahal, L.A. Matheson Secondary
Harleen Rhea Kahlon, Enver Creek Secondary
Harnoor Kaur Kandola, Rick Hansen Secondary
Harshpreet Kaur Grewal, Khalsa Secondary School
Japji Lail, Queen Elizabeth Secondary
Jaskirat Kaur Sachdev, North Delta Secondary
Navya Garg, Fraser Heights Secondary
Rohtash Maan, Aldergrove Community Secondary
Simar Kaur Disanjh, Queen Elizabeth Secondary
Simrat Kaur Kamaal, Queen Elizabeth Secondary
Sukhman Kaur Atwal, Queen Elizabeth Secondary
Tamanna Kaur Jaswal, John Oliver Secondary
Vaishnavi Verma, Johnson Heights Secondary
Zainab Ali, Panorama Ridge Secondary