Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Canadian entertainer and YouTube sensation Lilly Singh has officially become Dr Singh after receiving an honorary degree from her alma mater, York University, in recognition of her cultural contributions.
The comedian and content creator was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws during York University’s Fall Convocation on October 14. Singh described the honour as “immense” and joked that the universe “has a wild sense of humour,” especially since she now humorously fulfilled her parents’ dream of having a doctor in the family.
York University cited Singh’s “impact on community building and achievements in popular culture and entertainment” as the reason for the award. Singh, who earned her psychology degree from York in 2010, has since evolved from a digital creator into a globally recognised performer, writer, and advocate.
Sharing her milestone on social media, Singh reflected on its personal significance as a child of Indian immigrants. “We all know the stereotypes about Brown parents wanting their kids to be doctors, lawyers, or engineers—and it’s often true,” she wrote. “That’s because they associate those careers with stability. At the end of the day, parents just want their children to be safe and financially secure.”
The 37-year-old first gained international attention with her YouTube comedy sketches as a teenager. Her consistent content creation built a massive following, and she successfully transitioned into mainstream media and entertainment.
“I’ve always gone against the grain,” Singh said. “Yet the universe has a sense of humour… because this path ultimately led me to bring home a PhD after all.”
Faculty of Health Dean David Peters praised Singh, stating, “Lilly’s career exemplifies York University’s values. She uses comedy to challenge stereotypes about women, sexuality, and more, and she advocates for gender equality.”
In her address to the Class of 2025, Singh encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty and see failure as a learning opportunity. “Let me assure you,” she said, “believing you have everything figured out is a myth.”
Singh recounted her own struggles at York, including uncertainty about her career path and pressure to meet family expectations. Using humour, she recalled telling her parents she would pursue entertainment instead of further studies: “Mom, Dad—it may not have gone as you imagined, but today your daughter is bringing home a PhD, also a doctorate in law. I’m basically a doctor and a lawyer,” she joked.
She emphasised that failure should be viewed as guidance rather than a setback. “From the start of my career until now, there’s no proof that failure holds you back,” Singh said. “Failure is the universe steering you in the right direction.”
Concluding her speech, Singh highlighted that learning extends beyond classrooms. “The biggest mistake you can make is thinking you’ve figured everything out and have nothing left to learn. You will graduate repeatedly—it just won’t always be in a cap and gown.”
Ending on a humorous note, Singh added, “And if you see me on the street, please call me Dr Daddy Singh.”
