Twenty South Asian girls from Surrey receive $2,500 each from Be The Light Society’s 2025 scholarship, recognizing academic excellence & perseverance.
Surrey students’ achievement spotlighted
Numerous secondary school students in Surrey have been awarded scholarships by Be The Light Society, a non-profit dedicated to empowering South Asian girls in B.C. to pursue post-secondary education. The 2025 cohort includes 20 recipients, each receiving $2,500, many of whom are beginning university or college this fall.
Local schools well represented
Among the winners are students from L.A. Matheson, Sullivan Heights, Rick Hansen, Khalsa, Lord Tweedsmuir, Burnsview, Panorama Ridge, Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth, Tamanawis, Tamanawis, and Frank Hurt Secondaries. Names such as Anahat Sidhu, Anmol Kaur Dayal, and Ravneet Kaur Grewal appear alongside many others recognised for their academic and community achievements.
Criteria behind the selection
Candidates were evaluated based on strong academic results, meaningful involvement in community service, financial need, and resilience in facing adversity. The society emphasised that each scholar represents “strength, resilience, and brilliance within the South Asian community,” per advisory board member Karen Dosanjh.
Origins & purpose of the scholarship
Be The Light Society is a registered non-profit supporting South Asian girls graduating from British Columbia high schools who plan to begin post-secondary studies. The award aims not just to offset costs, but also to send a message that their dreams are valid, their voices matter, and their potential is boundless.
Fundraising and upcoming events
The funding for the 2025 scholarships was partly raised at a Diwali fundraising gala in October 2024 attended by over 250 South Asian women across professions and industries. Be The Light Society’s fourth annual gala is scheduled for November 14, 2025, at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver.
Broader implications & hopes
By investing in young women from the South Asian community, the society aims to foster long-term change: enhancing educational access, boosting confidence, and nurturing future leaders. Recipients are expected to use their awards not only for tuition or academic costs but also as a springboard to contribute back to their communities.
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