Be The Light Society Awards $50,000 In Scholarships

Be The Light Society Awards $50,000 In Scholarships

Be the Light Society Awards $50,000 in Scholarships to 20 South Asian Girls in BC High Schools Scholarship luncheon celebrates educational achievement, resilience and the power of community support

SURREY, B.C. — Inspired by the spirit of Diwali and its message of light, hope and new beginnings, Be the Light Society (BTLS), a registered non-profit organization dedicated to empowering South Asian women and girls through education, mentorship and community support, celebrated its 2025/2026 scholarship recipients at a luncheon at Skye Avenue in Surrey, BC.

The event brought together scholarship recipients and the BTLS leadership team of volunteers to celebrate the students’ collective achievements and recognize the generosity that makes these opportunities possible. BTLS recognized 20 remarkable South Asian girls graduating from high schools across British Columbia, each receiving a $2,500 scholarship to support their pursuit of post-secondary education. Together, the scholarships represent a $50,000 investment by BTLS in the next generation of women leaders in 2026.

Since its inception, Be the Light Society will award 62 scholarships worth a total of $155,000, helping students access educational opportunities and pursue their goals. The organization’s work is made possible through the generosity of donors, corporate partners and community members who believe in investing and empowering future female leaders. BTLS will be donating another 20 $2,500 scholarships in 2027.

Breaking Barriers & Building a More Equitable Futures

“South Asian women and girls can face unique cultural, financial and systemic barriers to education and leadership opportunities. 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,”

said Karen Dosanjh, Advisory Board Member of Be the Light Society.

Karen adds,

“Every scholarship represents more than financial assistance. 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.”

Meet the 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Be the Light Society congratulates the following scholarship recipients:

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

A Collective Commitment to Empowering Women & Girls
As a fully volunteer-run organization, Be the Light Society brings together women and male allies from diverse professional backgrounds who share a commitment to empowering South Asian women and girls in the community. Through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development and community programs, BTLS works to help young women overcome barriers, recognize their potential and pursue their ambitions.

Karen adds,

“Be the Light Society was built on the belief that when women come together with a shared purpose, our collective impact is far greater than anything we can achieve alone. We represent women from diverse professions and backgrounds, united by a commitment to lifting others as we rise. This Diwali, we celebrate not only the light within each of these 20 scholarship recipients, but also the power of a community that believes in them. When we invest in young women today, we help shape the leaders, changemakers who will create brighter futures tomorrow.”

About Be the Light Society
Be the Light Society is a registered non-profit organization showcasing and supporting the leadership and excellence of South Asian women in Canada. Through education, mentorship, scholarships and community programs, BTLS is committed to empowering the next generation of South Asian women and girls to reach their full potential. To learn more about Be the Light Society, its mission and future scholarship opportunities, visit www.bethelightsociety.ca or follow @bethelightsociety on Instagram.