30 students chosen across the country; three have East Indian roots
Ontario/Vancouver: Founded in 1988, The Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation was the first national organization in Canada to grant scholarships based on a mix of academic achievement, extracurricular activity and leadership potential.
It is an independent charitable organization governed by a board of directors. Since its founding, CMSF has become the leading independent granting agency for undergraduate study in Canada. Over time, it has developed a collaborative relationship with 25 Canadian universities, each of which provides tuition grants and on-campus advisers for Loran Scholars. Of the 30 outstanding young Canadians chosen for class of 2014 7 are from BC.
Indians living in Surrey, BC, Mississauga and Toronto have more reason to celebrate because three students in the elite list of 30 are of Indian origin.
Shakti Ramkumar
Kwantien Park Secondary School, Surrey, BC
Kabir Nadkarni
St. Francis Xavier Secondary School, Mississauga, ON
Kabir spoke with Asian Journal on his experience of being chosen as one of tht 30 scholars, “As a 2007 Indian immigrant who’s parents have given up so much about their past lives to see their child succeed, it is really motivating to receive such a prestigious Canadian award. To me, the Loran Award is a confirmation that anyone can fulfill their dreams, regardless of their cultural or financial background.”
His dad, Mangesh Nadkarni also shared his feelings with Asian Journal,
“My wife and I always had the faith and trust that our son Kabir had great potential, and given the right opportunity and guidance, he could achieve excellence. One of the main reasons we migrated to Canada in 2007, was to give him the sort of exposure and perspective that would stimulate his drive to achieve. The Loran award, in a way, embodies all that we wanted for our son to have. The scholarship would surely open a lot of doors to him, give him the stimulating environment that he seems to thrive in, and above all, groom him to take on challenges and leadership for a better future.”
Sachin Pasricha
Upper Canada College, Toronto, ON
Asian Journal spoke with Sachin Pasricha, who was very happy to be part of illustrious 25th Class of Loran Scholars. Sachin has chaired Ontario Model Parliament for two years and previously co-founded a student-run publication for the program. He is the news editor for the school newspaper, captain of the cross country team, and works in the summer as a special needs counsellor.
He said that this scholarship will not only give him funds for education but also an opportunity to do internship. He is hopeful of getting into a mentorship program and gain experience in real time Hospital environment under a mentor. Sachin aspires to be a physician one day. Born in Canada, Sachin has strong ties with India— his family has roots in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi in India— and he hopes to do a voluntary medical internship in India under this scholarship program.
When asked about his family’s reaction on his nomination, Sachin said, “My parents are very happy and proud. My grandparents are elated at my achievement.” When asked what interests him besides education and his dream to be a physican, Sachin, like a teenager he answered – Bollywood.
Emma Clark
Seycove Secondary School, North Vancouver, BC
Julia Milden
Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific, Victoria, BC
Annie Russell
Maple Ridge Secondary School, Maple Ridge, BC
Emily Wiesenthal
Howe Sound Secondary School, Squamish, BC
Faelan Prentice
Reynolds Secondary School, Victoria, BC
Clare Lyle Elphinstone
Secondary School / Heritage Christian Online School, Gibsons, BC