YouTuber-turned-television host Lilly Singh has been granted an honorary doctorate in laws by her alma mater, York University, adding “PhD” to her title. The honor was bestowed in recognition of Singh’s significant contributions to community development and her achievements in pop culture and entertainment in Toronto.
Expressing her excitement, Singh jokingly remarked that her new title might become a central aspect of her identity, potentially appearing in her bio, as a tattoo, or even on her car. She mentioned that her mother proposed commemorating the occasion with a sign outside their home reading “Lilly Singh, PhD,” a practice she has observed in India.
Singh intends to mark the achievement by dedicating a day to self-care, spending time with her honorary doctorate, and reflecting on her journey by writing a letter to her younger self. She emphasized the importance of staying connected to one’s roots and recalling one’s past experiences in moments of triumph.
During her convocation speech, Singh fondly reminisced about her first graduation in 2010, wearing a T-shirt with an “S” emblem representing her YouTube persona, Superwoman. Reflecting on her journey, she humorously acknowledged her initial lack of knowledge about copyright laws.
Known for her comedic content on YouTube, Singh rose to fame globally, amassing millions of followers across social media platforms before transitioning to mainstream media. She hosted the short-lived late-night show “A Little Late with Lilly Singh” in 2019 and began hosting the CTV game show “Battle of the Generations” in 2023.
Singh stressed the value of embracing life’s uncertainties, citing the twists and turns in her own career as integral to personal growth. She emphasized a lifelong commitment to learning and advised against feeling pressured to have a definitive career path.
In addition to her television career, Singh has ventured into filmmaking, including roles in animated films like “The Bad Guys” franchise. Recently, she wrote, produced, and starred in the sex-ed comedy “Doin’ It,” which premiered in U.S. theaters.
Having relocated to Los Angeles in 2015, Singh acknowledged the ongoing speculation about her potential return to Canada. She emphasized following her purpose and serving where she feels called, navigating the complexities of international tensions between Canada and the United States.
Singh shared her parents’ concerns about travel restrictions and tariff implications, highlighting the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on individuals’ lives. Despite the uncertainties, she remains adaptable and focused on finding solutions while acknowledging the stress associated with the situation.