Scholarship Program Empowers South Asian Girls in Financial Need to Pursue Post-Secondary Education This Fall
SURREY, BC, September 8, 2025: Be the Light Society (BTLS), a registered non-profit charity dedicated to supporting South Asian girls in their pursuit of post-secondary education, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarships. In 2024, BTLS successfully met its ambitious fundraising goal, enabling the organization to award twenty $2,500 scholarships to outstanding South Asian girls in financial need across BC high schools.
Many of this year’s BTLS scholarship recipients are now beginning their post-secondary programs, putting their awards directly into action.
The 2025 Be the Light Society Scholarship Recipients are:
- Aariya Gill – Yale Secondary
- Anahat Sidhu – Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary
- Anmol Kaur Dayal – Sullivan Heights Secondary
- Anmol Panesar – L.A. Matheson Secondary
- Arshjyot Dhanda – L.A. Matheson Secondary
- Arshmin Kaur Gill – Princess Margaret Secondary
- Avneet Sahota – L.A. Matheson Secondary
- Ekjot Kaur Johal – Khalsa Secondary
- Inayah Aleema Ismail – Burnsview Secondary
- Jaisleen Kaur Gill – Sullivan Heights Secondary
- Jashanpreet Kaur – Rick Hansen Secondary
- Komalpreet Kaur Kooner – L.A. Matheson Secondary
- Komal Sangha – Queen Elizabeth Secondary
- Mahik Sidhu – Rick Hansen Secondary
- Muskaan Bains – Rick Hansen Secondary
- Ravneet Kaur Grewal – Rick Hansen Secondary
- Rida Chaudhary – Frank Hurt Secondary
- Sharan Dhariwal – L.A. Matheson Secondary
- Sudita Chawla – Panorama Ridge Secondary
- Tanveer Kaur Gill – Tamanawis Secondary
“We are incredibly proud to recognize these inspiring young women who represent the strength, resilience, and brilliance within the South Asian community,” said Karen Dosanjh, tech executive and advisory board member at BTLS. “Each BTLS scholarship awarded is more than just financial support—it’s a message to these girls that their dreams matter, their voices are powerful, and their futures are full of unlimited possibilities, and they are worth investing in. We’re deeply honored to walk alongside them on their educational journeys and cannot wait to witness the incredible impact they will make in the world.”
Scholarship Criteria
The BTLS Scholarship is open to South Asian girls graduating from BC high schools who plan to pursue post-secondary education. Recipients were selected based on their academic achievement, community involvement, demonstrated financial need, and ability to persevere through hardship.
Eligibility Requirements:
- South Asian descent
- Graduation from a BC high school
- Academic achievement
- Community involvement
- Proof of registration at a post-secondary institution
- Demonstrated financial need
A Purpose-Driven Mission
BTLS is inspiring, empowering, and elevating the next generation of South Asian women and girls through education, leadership opportunities, and connection to the community.
EDUCATION: By developing and leading professional programs that foster the financial independence and empowerment of South Asian women and girls.
LEADERSHIP: By developing and leading professional programs that teach leadership skills and build a greater sense of identity and pride.
CONNECTION: By creating a safe and supportive environment allowing South Asian women and girls to connect and build meaningful relationships that cultivate continuous growth.
BTLS’ core mission is to support South Asian women and girls through educational programs designed to instill financial independence and literacy through scholarships and educational programs. The Society is committed to creating a secure and safe environment where South Asian women can connect and cultivate meaningful relationships that drive both personal and professional growth. Furthermore, BTLS takes immense pride in recognizing and highlighting the exceptional leadership and excellence of South Asian women, nurturing a stronger sense of cultural identity, pride of heritage, & belonging. The organization is 100 per cent volunteer run and funds raised will go directly towards helping girls who need financial support.
Be the Light Society Gala – November 14, 2025
On October 18, 2024, over 250 South Asian women representing diverse industries and professions gathered to celebrate Diwali and raise funds at the 3rd Annual Be the Light Society Gala, held at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver. With the generous support of presenting sponsor TD Bank Group, along with donors, partners, and guests, the Gala raised funds in support of the BTLS scholarship program.
The fourth annual Be the Light Gala will be held at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver on November 14, 2025.
“At Be the Light Society, we believe that when you uplift a girl, you uplift a community,” said Dosanjh. “These scholarships are not just about education — they’re about changing lives, building confidence, and creating a future where South Asian girls can lead with strength, purpose, and pride. This year, we’re excited to continue igniting the BTLS movement to foster empowerment and inspire the next generation of South Asian women leaders and changemakers.”
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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, 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, visit: www.bethelightsociety.ca.
Follow us on Instagram: @bethelightsociety
Media Contact:
Karen Dosanjh, Advisory Board Member, Be the Light Society
Mobile: (604) 328-5171
Email: kdosanjh@osidigital.com
