Simon Fraser University will celebrate Diwali, India’s festival of lights, at a gala at the Bollywood Banquet Hall (#201-8116 128 St.) on Oct 11.
More than 300 business and community leaders, along with SFU students, faculty, staff and alumni, are expected to attend the fourth annual event in Surrey.
The evening, featuring South Asian performances and cuisine, includes a reception starting at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:15 p.m.
Among speakers will be recent SFU graduate Ish Jhaj, who will talk about the soccer program she developed and delivered for young girls in Punjab this past summer.
“SFU’s Diwali event is one of the many ways in which the university celebrates Indian culture and connects with the South Asian community," says SFU President Andrew Petter, the evening’s host, who is preparing to travel to India in November.
Funds raised from the event will go toward SFU student scholarships to support initiatives that help create opportunities for students to work, study and volunteer in the cities and villages of India, through the university’s mobility initiative.
The cultural and business-networking event is supported by the SFU-India Advisory Council and provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about SFU’s India initiatives, including the university’s India Strategy, meet council members and talk with students who are current recipients of the India mobility initiative funding.
“Diwali is a perfect opportunity to celebrate our diversity and recognize it as a key to enriching the communities in which we live and work,” says Stephen Murphy, senior vice-president, TD Commercial Banking, title event sponsor.
“Happy communities create healthy businesses and these improve the quality of life for all. I’m proud to work for an organization that respects, values and supports our cultural differences and fosters a spirit of inclusiveness that helps us succeed together.”
The cost of the Diwali event is $60 per person or $450 for a table of eight.
For more information and tickets, call 778-782-5313 or visit http://bit.ly/plUVl6