AKAL Academy Surrey on Monday hosted a special recognition ceremony honoring Ajaypal Singh Dhaliwal, the first Canadian Sikh to successfully scale Mount Everest. The event celebrated his extraordinary achievement and his inspiring journey of determination, courage, and perseverance.
More than 100 community members attended the event, including Mandeep Dhaliwal, MLA for Surrey North, and Brian Tepper, MLA for Surrey-Panorama, both of whom addressed the gathering and congratulated Ajaypal on his historic accomplishment.
Ajaypal holds a special connection with Akal Academy Surrey as both a former student and a current director of the Academy. His achievement has become a source of pride and inspiration for the entire Sikh community and especially for the students and youth of Akal Academy Surrey.
A commemorative plaque was presented to Ajaypal by Giani Sarwan Singh, a respected leader of Akal Academy Surrey and a Guinness World Record holder for the world’s longest beard.
During his remarks, Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji stated that the Sikh community across Canada and the Akal Academy Surrey family are immensely proud of Ajaypal’s achievement, which demonstrates the power of hard work, faith, and perseverance.
Many young people attended the event and were inspired by Ajaypal’s remarkable journey. In his humble acceptance speech, Ajaypal thanked Waheguru for guiding him throughout his life and credited his success to faith, courage, dedication, and commitment.
“Anything is possible if you have courage, dedication, and commitment,” Ajaypal told the audience, encouraging young people to pursue their dreams and never give up in the face of challenges.
Avtar Singh Gill, Director of Akal Academy Surrey, congratulated Ajaypal on reaching this historic milestone and praised him as an outstanding role model for youth.
“Ajaypal’s achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished through discipline, determination, and hard work,” said Gill. “Our youth should look to examples like Ajaypal and focus on sports, education, and positive community involvement rather than falling into the traps of drugs and gangs.”
Gill also thanked all guests, community leaders, parents, students, and supporters for attending the event and making the celebration a memorable success.
The recognition ceremony highlighted Akal Academy Surrey’s commitment to inspiring excellence, leadership, and community service among young people while celebrating individuals who bring pride to the Sikh community and to Canada.
(Submitted)
