The Sikh Youth Alliance of North America (SYANA) recently held its regional annual Sikh Youth Symposium 2024, a public speaking competition organized by Guru Nanak Foundation Richfield Gurdwara Sahib in Cleveland, Ohio.
The event featured 32 youths, ranging in age from 6 to 22, who had previously won regional contests in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Cleveland. Sameep Singh Gumtala, the local convener for the Cincinnati and Dayton region, disclosed that each group was assigned a book in January. Participants are required to respond to three questions from the book in a 5- to 7-minute speech.
This year, Group 1 read “My Guru’s Blessings”, Group 2 “Teaching Sikh Heritage to Youth”, Group 3 “20 Minute Guide to the Sikh Faith”, Group 4 “Clash of Cultures”, and Group 5 was given the theme “The Ghalughara of 1984 (40th Anniversary) and Subsequent Sikh struggle”.
A trophy was awarded to each participant, and a special cash award was given to those who delivered their speeches in Punjabi. Avnoor Kaur, Trisha Kaur, Prabhnoor Singh, Meher Kaur, and Samara Kaur were the first-place winners in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3, respectively. These winners achieved qualification for the International Sikh Youth Symposium 2024, which is scheduled to take place from Aug. 1- 4 at Gurdwara Singh Sabha Richardson in Dallas, Texas.
SYANA's national convener, Kuldeep Singh, explained that these competitions commence in numerous cities throughout the United States and Canada before progressing to the regional level. The US and Canada are divided into 13 regions, including the Ohio – Pennsylvania region.
Additionally, Singh stated that the purpose of this annual public speaking and debate competition is to establish an environment in which Sikh youth can enhance their oral, written, and public speaking ability. Throughout the Symposium, Sikh youth will have the opportunity to explore Sikh history and philosophy while acquiring public speaking skills.
According to the organizers, the competitiont provides them with an opportunity to contemplate a variety of subjects, including the fundamentals of Sikhi and a comprehensive examination of Gurbani, thereby motivating them to reestablish their connection with the Sikh faith's origins and principles.
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