My Story

Meet Jasmine Kaur, a trailblazer who made history as the first Sikh recipient of the prestigious Simon and June Li Scholarship, an honor awarded to just one student worldwide. At 18, this scholarship enabled her to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford. Upon her arrival, she quickly became the driving force behind several successful projects. She founded a film production company, served as an ambassador at Oxford, and became the youngest president of the Oxford Historians Assembly (UHA). Under her leadership, she established Oxford University’s first annual Sikh festival, Vaisakhi, and actively promotes Sikh culture and heritage.

At age 13, she collaborated with an NGO to teach and fill the educational gaps of society. Her work continued by offering free tutoring classes after school and mentoring at a specially-abled school. Her vision was to inspire young minds to find change and strength in education. At age 15, Jasmine embarked on a journey to spread the message of Sikhi at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. She dedicated two years of holding educational conversations with thousands of visitors enlightening them about the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Beyond her excellent academic record and community service, she is a Trinity College London trained Grade 5 pianist and state level debater having won multiple awards and accolades.

At 17, she directed her first historical documentary on Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, merging her passion for film and Sikhi. Her years long experience in the field of education and leadership were brought to Oxford. She founded a film production company, directing two short films with over 30 cast and crew members, each taking 8-12 months to complete. She was also elected President of the UHA just three weeks after starting university, representing 800 historians.

Despite being alone in her vision and facing scepticism, she made it her mission to establish a space for Sikh celebrations at Oxford. She conducted a survey of Sikh students, compiled sources on Vaisakhi, and convinced her Rector (Principal) and board members that Sikhs deserved a space to share their history. On May 1, 2022, for the first time in Oxford University’s history, 146 students, teachers, and guests from diverse backgrounds gathered to learn about Sikhi. A Rabab was brought into the university, and kirtan was played in the chapel, making Vaisakhi the first Sikh festival officially part of the Oxford University college calendar to be celebrated annually.

Currently, Jasmine is an undergraduate student and a professional debating coach at Cambridge and Oxford University during summers. Her achievements have been applauded through the front cover of her college magazine, and a speech of honour by her Rector (Principal) in the hall. She recently received the Erasmus + Scholarship and wishes to further create spaces where young people can achieve their full potential, gain self-confidence, and broaden their global perspective.