SFU to celebrate Diwali in Surrey on October 21

 

SIMON Fraser University will host its 7th annual Diwali event at Surrey’s Crown Palace Banquet Hall on Tuesday, October 21.

More than 300 business and community leaders, along with SFU students, faculty, staff and alumni are expected to attend the event, celebrated in India as the festival of lights.

The evening features South Asian performances and cuisine and includes a reception (5:30 p.m.) and dinner (7 p.m.)

The annual event is one of the many ways in which the University celebrates Indian culture and engages with the South Asian community.

During the evening a group of SFU alumni will share details of their involvement with Destiny Reflections, a program based in Kolkata, India that is aims to economically empower survivors of human trafficking or women at high risk of being exploited.

The Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration will provide the entertainment. There will be a special performance by SFU alumna Simran Sidhu, who recently won Omni TV’s Bollywood Star competition.

Sidhu graduated with honours from SFU with a bachelor’s degree in communication.

Funds raised from the event go toward SFU scholarships to support students interested in working, studying or volunteering in Indian cities and villages through the University’s mobility initiative.

Supported by the SFU-India Advisory Council, the business and networking event provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about SFU’s India initiatives, including the University’s India Strategy, and meet council members as well as students who are current and former recipients of the India mobility-initiative funding.

To purchase tickets, RVSP by October 14 at www.sfu.ca/invite/diwali – or call 778-782-9426.