In a pool of over 6,000 applicants across Canada, Surrey’s Daisy Bains has emerged as one of just 36 recipients of the coveted Loran Scholarship, a $100,000 award that recognizes outstanding leadership, character, and service. A student of École Kwantlen Park Secondary, Daisy’s achievement is evidence of her sincerity, self-belief, and the power of staying rooted in values.
In the heart of Toronto’s Little India, Chandan Fashion—the iconic family-run bridal shop shines in Netflix’s hit docuseries ‘Bollywed’. The show offers an intimate look into the Singh family’s world, featuring Kuki, the protective patriarch; Sarab, the visionary matriarch; son Chandan, the strategic mind and muscle behind the series’ success; Roop, the daughter-in-law and troubleshooter keeping everything in line; and sister Chandni, the peacekeeper and mediator balancing it all. DARPAN had the opportunity to catch up with Chandni herself, who shared her journey and what it’s really like to navigate the chaos of family, business, and the excitement surrounding South Asian weddings.
In Surrey, British Columbia, Hargun Dhillon, Founder and President of the Age Strong Unity Wellness Society and Co-founder of the Ignited Resilience Mentorship Foundation, is making waves as a changemaker who empowers the elderly and supports at-risk newcomer students. His journey showcases the power of South Asian values, resilience, and the spirit of ‘seva’ (selfless service).
Some heroes don’t wear capes—some wear uniforms, quietly serve their communities, and act when it matters most. Gurmehar Pabla, a high school student from Panorama Ridge Secondary and an active Air Cadet with 278 Cormorant Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Surrey, embodies that quiet heroism. On June 6, 2024, during a school trip, Pabla prevented a potential drowning, yielding a moment that would later earn him official recognition from the City of Surrey and applause from Mayor Brenda Locke during a February 2025 council meeting.
With his many years of experience in law enforcement, he has made incredible contributions to the community, not just through his work as a police officer but also through his deep involvement with the Vancouver Police Pipe Band - the world’s oldest, continuously serving, non-militray pipe band.
Meet Beant, a rising rap artist and curator from Leamington Spa, is making waves in the UK music scene with his unique fusion of British rap and Punjabi folk music.
