Youngsters between ages 6 to 20 from Cincinnati and Dayton participated in the symposium in 5 different groups. The Sikh Youth Alliance of North America (SYANA) in Ohio, USA, recently organized its annual Sikh Youth Symposium 2023, a public speaking competition at Guru Nanak Society of Greater Cincinnati Gurdwara Sahib in Cincinnati.
Supported by the Sewadar Committee, the event was attended by youngsters between ages 6 to 20 from Cincinnati and Dayton, who participated in 5 different groups, the news release revealed.
The local convener for the Symposium Sameep Singh Gumtala disclosed that each group was given a book three months in advance to answer three questions given to them in the form of speech for 5-7 minutes. “This year first group was given the book, “Basic Knowledge of Sikhism”, the second group, “Sikh Sakhis for the Youth”, the third group, “The Turban”, and the fourth group, “Guru Granth Sahib – A Supreme Treasure,” Gumtala said.
The program commenced with the recital of Ardas and Hukumnama. Harjinder Singh, who earlier volunteered as local convener in 2006, addressed the gathering saying the symposium provides youth with a platform to learn and reflect on many topics, including the basics of Sikhi and an in-depth study of Gurbani. His son Jaipal Singh recollected how the Sikh youth were taught and mentored year after year.
Weekly classes continue to happen at Gurdwara Sahib in public speaking and Gurmat concepts. The participants were awarded trophies and books, such as “Fauja Singh Keeps Going”, “The Garden of Peace”, and “Why Am I Here.”
Gyani Amrik Singh, chief Granthi of the Gurdwara Sahib, thanked all participants, parents, volunteers, and Sewadar Committee members for making the event a success.
