For Jasmeet Dhaliwal, a Grade 10 student at Dasmesh Punjabi School in Abbotsford, the opportunity to learn both Punjabi and French, alongside her other studies, connects her with her culture and her her build vital skills for her future.
"Punjabi helps me connect with my family, especially my grandparents, and understand their wisdom. It also allows me to contribute to my community by participating in events or helping others who might not speak English fluently, " says Jasmeet, winner of a 2024 Dhahan Youth Award, which recognizes students who have written a short story in Punjabi and translated it into English.
"French is equally valuable because it opens up more job opportunities in Canada, especially in fields like education, health care, or government work," she adds. "Both languages help me communicate better with people. Together, they make me more confident and ready to work in a multicultural place like Canada."
Joining Jasmeet at the Dhahan Awards was Grade 11 student Sahij Baath, who learned to speak Punjabi at a young age, surrounded by her extended family. A DPS student since Kindergarten, "this is where my foundation of reading and writing Punjabi was built," she recalls.
"However, high school is when I developed a genuine interest for my mother tongue. Mrs. Brar, my incredible Punjabi teacher, taught the language so well. In grades 9 and 10 I was able to broaden my vocabulary, sharpen my writing skills, and improve my fluency."
Mrs. Brar also encouraged Sahij to enter the awards, which inspire young people to both learn Punjabi verbally, and to read and write it, too – aligning well with Dasmesh Punjabi Schoo'ls efforts to share the Punjabi language and the values and teachings of the Sikh faith.
From its five-acre campus in the Matsqui area, the school embodies academic excellence within an inclusive culture, welcoming students and staff from all religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. It was also the first North American institution to teach Punjabi as an accredited course alongside the provincial curriculum.
The school, with more than 900 students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, also celebrates Punjabi culture with events like Gurpurabs and Vaisakh, Jasmeet notes. "These events are very special in the Sikh community and are celebrated with lots of joy at school. Events like these make learning Punjabi feel like more than just a subject, it helps us stay connected to our culture and traditions."
Established in 1986, DPS is recognized at both the elementary and secondary divisions for fostering academic success, cultural pride and inclusivity. Many students, like Grade 12 student Mehtab Singh Rai, also incorporate a love of sports.
Mehtab recently represented Canada at the international Mirnawan 2024 Cup in Malaysia as part of Team Canada’s U17 field hockey team. A proud milestone for Mehtab, his family and his community, "my parents' support and my school’s encouragement have been crucial in my journey," he reflects.
"Dasmesh Punjabi School has helped me stay connected to my Sikh identity and Punjabi language, motivating me to achieve beyond my goals while preserving my cultural roots. As Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teaching reminds us, “Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, Te Vand Chakko” (“Meditate, work hard, and share”), and these values guide me on and off the field.
"In Malaysia, I proudly represented not only Canada but also Sikhism, sharing our faith and culture with others unfamiliar with it," says Mehtab, working hard to achieve his Olympic dreams. "Playing at an international level has deepened my commitment to excellence and the importance of staying true to my roots."
To learn more about the possibilities awaiting at Dasmesh Punjabi School, visit dasmeshschool.com or call 604-826-1666.
READ MORE: Dasmesh Punjabi School: Excellence in education and cultural heritage