Darpan's special Vaisakhi issue is out now. Read more about the month of Vaisakhi, find great recipes, explore activities for kids. The Darpan Magazine team was at the Vancouver Vaisakhi parade that took place on Saturday, April 13th, 2024. The parade started at the Ross Street Sikh Temple and proceeded along Main Street, and drew thousands of people from diverse backgrounds.

This issue marks the fourth year as DARPAN celebrates the achievements of seven women steering clear of stereotypes and forging their own paths. While each comes from a different professional background, they are all resilient, hardworking and fully committed to their calling in life. 

At 17, Walia received multiple NCAA offers and secured a Full Ride scholarship at Rutgers University, playing Division 1 field hockey. Majoring in Public Health and minoring in Psychology and Education, she managed a full academic load while excelling in sports. This experience honed her time management skills and allowed her to compete at the highest level.

As a hospitalist with clinical responsibilities at Peacearch Hospital, Dosanjh combines her medical expertise with a commitment to advancing women's health issues. Her advocacy now extends to global platforms, where she will present at the UN Commission on the Status of Women, emphasizing women's empowerment and healthcare equity. 

Sohal's journey began with an unyielding passion for makeup and hair, a pursuit initially perceived as unconventional by societal standards. Encountering initial resistance, she persisted, revolutionizing the industry and winning accolades such as the BC Best Wedding Award for Pink Orchid Studio six times consecutively.

In the tapestry of South Asian women achievers, Renee Sarojini Saklikar stands as a luminary, weaving the threads of her diverse experiences into the artistry of poetry. This solitude birthed Saklikar's profound connection to language and sound, leading her to find solace in the magic of storytelling and the sanctuary of her written words.