Toronto marks Sikh Heritage Month, launches a Diljit Dosanjh course, and unlocks Indian student scholarships
The Toronto District School Board marked its tenth year of recognizing Sikh Heritage Month in April 2026 under the theme "Sangat atey Seva — Community and Service," celebrating selfless giving and communal gathering as pillars of Sikhism. Toronto Metropolitan University debuted Canada's first university course on Punjabi megastar Diljit Dosanjh, while the federal government announced $25 million in scholarships for Indian nationals pursuing studies in Canada.
🪔 TDSB celebrates a decade of Sikh Heritage Month
Since 2016, the Toronto District School Board has recognized Sikh Heritage Month every April, becoming the first school board in Canada to do so. The recognition aligns with Ontario Sikh Heritage Month Act passed in December 2013 and the Government of Canada recognition on April 30, 2019. The theme for Sikh Heritage Month 2026 is "Sangat atey Seva — Community and Service." Sangat refers to the sacred gathering of the Sikh community for spiritual discourse and practice, open to all without discrimination. Seva is the spirit of selfless service extended freely to everyone in need. Both are described as integral pillars of Sikhism and as ways of serving the divine. The Sikh Heritage Month Volunteer Planning Committee organized events and learning opportunities for elementary and secondary classrooms throughout the month. All students and staff were invited to join TDSB through a virtual celebration, during which winning student posters and videos were announced and showcased. Kindergarten to Grade 8 classrooms were also invited to participate in a virtual learning experience featuring Gurdeep Pandher, a Yukon-based Bhangra dance artist known for outdoor performances that bring people together. Pandher lives in a small off-grid cabin near Lake Laberge and has created dance videos reaching millions of viewers worldwide. Students engaged and asked questions during the interactive session. [1]
🎓 TMU launches first university course on Diljit Dosanjh
Toronto Metropolitan University launched what it describes as the first university course in Canada dedicated entirely to Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, announced in November 2025. The class explores how Dosanjh is transforming music and culture and what his rise means for Punjabi identity in Canada. The course description frames the inquiry as an examination of how Dosanjh is reshaping not just the music industry but broader questions of what it means to be Punjabi in Canada today. Dosanjh has become one of the most prominent South Asian artists in the world, performing to sold-out arenas across North America and internationally and building a following that spans continents and generations. TMU described the course as taking Dosanjh from sold-out arenas to the academic classroom, with students studying his cultural and creative impact. The course reflects TMU commitment to South Asian diaspora studies and to centering Punjabi Canadian cultural contributions as legitimate subjects of serious academic inquiry. By dedicating a full course to a living Punjabi artist, the university is signalling that the Punjabi Canadian community and its creative output merit the same scholarly attention as any cultural tradition in Canada. The course is believed to be the first of its kind at any Canadian university and marks a milestone in the recognition of South Asian culture within Canadian higher education. [2]
🎓 Canada announces $25M in scholarships for Indian students
Canada announced a $25-million scholarship program for Indian nationals wishing to study in the country, according to a March 2026 report from CIC News. The scholarships were unveiled as part of a broader package of new education measures designed to strengthen academic and institutional ties between Canada and India. The announcement represents a meaningful financial commitment to facilitating study pathways for prospective Indian students at a time when the broader Canada-India relationship has faced significant diplomatic challenges. Indian nationals have historically been among the largest groups of international students in Canadian universities and colleges, contributing substantially to the post-secondary education sector and to the long-term skilled immigration pipeline. The $25-million package is intended to make Canadian higher education more financially accessible for qualifying Indian students and to reassure prospective applicants that Canada remains a welcoming destination. For South Asian communities in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area — home to one of the largest concentrations of South Asians in North America — the announcement carries particular resonance. Many families maintain active connections with India and continue to support relatives considering international education options. The new scholarships may make Canada a more attractive choice over destinations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, or the United States. [3]
Sources: [1] Toronto District School Board · [2] Toronto Metropolitan University · [3] CIC News