Diwali-inspired nonprofit gives scholarships to South Asian girls at Surrey event<\/p>\n
Published 6:00 pm Monday, October 26, 2026<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Since inception a few years ago, Be the Light Society awarded 62 scholarships totalling $155,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery scholarship represents more than financial assistance,\u201d said Karen Dosanjh, BTLS advisory board member. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The organization\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouth Asian women and girls can face unique cultural, financial and systemic barriers to education and leadership opportunities,\u201d she said. \u201cBy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n