Bakersfield, California, August 18, 2025 (Sameep Singh Gumtala)
The four-day annual International Sikh Youth Symposium 2025, organized by the Sikh Youth Alliance of North America (SYANA), was recently held in Bakersfield, California, at Gurdwara Guru Angad Darbar. The event brought together 68 children and youth, ages 6 to 22, from across the United States and Canada.
SYANA National Convener S. Kuldeep Singh explained that the organization has been conducting these symposiums annually since 1999. Local and regional symposiums are first held across various cities in the U.S. and Canada during March and May.
Winners from local level then advance to the regional-level, and ultimately, the finalists compete at the international level each August. The U.S. and Canada are divided into 13 regions, each sending its top participants to the international symposium.
Participants were divided into five age groups, with each group assigned a book and three questions to prepare and delivering speech of 5–7 minutes. This year’s assigned books for groups 1 to 5 included Saka Chamkaur, Sikh Sakhis, Selected episodes from Sikh history, and The Message of Gurbani.
The senior-most group (ages 16–22) engaged in a spirited debate on “Asa Ki Vaar”, which lasted nearly four hours and included opening statements, cross-questioning, discussions, and concluding remarks.
Dr. Manbir Singh, Regional Convener for California, shared that Bakersfield had the honor of hosting the symposium after 17 years. The event attracted over 200 attendees, including participants and their families.
He added that the symposium not only deepens children’s understanding of Sikh history, Gurbani, faith, and heritage but also equips them with essential skills in public speaking, research, and critical thinking.
As in previous years, a special recognition program was organized for the international finalists, where each speaker was introduced and honored. Dr. Jasmeet Kaur Bains, the first Sikh woman elected to the California State Assembly, and Angad Singh, high school winner of the 2025 National Speech and Debate Association’s Oratory Championship, were the distinguished guests.
Their presence was especially meaningful, as both serve as role models for youth – both guests exemplify the power of public speaking and leadership.
On the final day, the results were announced following a kirtan darbar at the Gurdwara Sahib. The winners from group 1 to 5 were Jiya Kaur, Meheransh Singh, Suhavi Kaur, Manraj Singh and Sukhmani Kaur. In addition to the winners, all participants received the “Distinguished Speaker Award.”
Convener S. Kuldeep Singh expressed his gratitude to the volunteers, children, sangat, California Convener Dr. Manbir Singh, volunteers and the management committee of Gurdwara Guru Angad Darbar for their dedication and support in making the symposium a success. He particularly acknowledged the tireless seva by volunteers of all ages, who contributed their time, energy, and resources in preparing langar and managing other services.
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