Ranjit Singh Dulai creates endowed scholarship in new program

Globalization has brought people from different countries and cultural backgrounds closer together than ever before. Despite the increased use of English as a common language, the lack of familiarity with differing cultural values and customs in communication can often lead to misunderstandings and, at times, even conflict.Globalization has brought people from different countries and cultural backgrounds closer together than ever before. Despite the increased use of English as a common language, the lack of familiarity with differing cultural values and customs in communication can often lead to misunderstandings and, at times, even conflict.

To better prepare the next generation of professionals and improve the ability of businesses, governments, and organizations to navigate culturally diverse working and social environments, Ryerson University has launched the Language and Intercultural Relations program in the Faculty of Arts. At the foundation of the program is a language degree, and from there students will be able to specialize in one of three concentrations: Language and Cognition, Translation Studies, or Organizational Behaviour.

Only in its first year, the program has already received philanthropic support. Ranjit Singh Dulai, president and CEO of Petroleum Plus and Dulai Petroleum Inc., has established an endowment at the university to create the Ranjit Singh Dulai Scholarship for students in Language and Intercultural Relations. The scholarship’s inaugural recipient is Calliope Babalis.

“The scholarship means a lot to me because I have a tendency to underestimate myself,” says Babalis. “It really motivated me to maintain a high GPA and keep pushing myself.”

"Ranjit is a 'salt of the earth' person. He truly wants to help people pursuing their studies," says Marco Fiola, Chair of the Languages, Literatures and Cultures department at Ryerson University. “Calliope is so deserving,” he adds, “a really impressive student and incredible person.”

Dulai is also involved in the community working with youth and seniors, and has worked with Malton Action Committee. He was previously a core member of the Justice of the Peace Appointment Advisory Committee with the Government of Ontario, the Brampton Compensation Council, and a host on CJMR 1320 Radio.

"Mr. Dulai has contributed a lot to my efforts in pursuit of my degree,” says Calliope. “He has given me something that I really treasure."