Dhariwal Family Bursary

Mr. Amrik Singh Dhariwal and his wife Mrs. Sowaran Kaur Dhariwal were both adventurous, hardworking spirits always willing to help others in a selfless manner, throughout their lives. This award recognizes Amrik and Sowaran Dhariwal for their wonderful spirit of “caring for others” and for having passed on that spirit to their family.

Originally from India, Amrik moved to the UK in 1954 to start work, and the rest of the family joined him in 1959. Amrik and Sowaran worked hard 12 hours/day, six days a week often on split shifts (nights, days) so one parent could be home with the children Mave and Kewal. In the late 1970’s they moved to Canada, and became Canadian Citizens. During their lifetimes they helped hundreds of newly arrived immigrants get on their feet, often taking people they just met into their home. Amrik was a quiet, gentle-giant who never sought recognition and remembered fondly by all community and family members. Sowaran, the matriarch of the Dhariwal family, and a strong driving forces behind the success of the Dhariwal children was a leader and feminist of her time. She is also known for having a hobby of “match-making” and was instrumental in 39 couples being introduced, engaged and married.

Amrik and Sowaran continually encouraged their children to study and work hard as they always had. Amrik as a farmer who spent most of his life as a large scale Baker being promoted many times and Sowaran working for British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) at a time when it was unheard of for women to work such industrial jobs. Consequently, both Mave and Kewal became lifelong learners, as did their wives Balwinder and Gurpreet. In 1980 Mave joined NAIT as an instructor in Mechanical Engineering and the following year persuaded Kewal to also join NAIT as an instructor in Computer Systems.

The entire Dhariwal family has supported the community by giving their time and money to various religious and cultural associations, professional societies, political organizations, coaching sports, volunteering, providing mentorship and fundraising for senior’s societies.

Available to students enrolled in a full-time credit program at NAIT. Awarded on the basis of satisfactory academic achievement, demonstrated financial need and to a student who demonstrates caring for others through volunteer activities, mentorship or giving back to the community. Preference may be given to an international student, newly immigrated student, or student athlete.

Students must complete the application to be considered for this award.