Dayton/Cincinnati, Ohio, May 4, 2026 (Sameep Singh Gumtala)
Sikh youth, along with their families and community members, recently gathered at the Gurdwara Sahibs in Cincinnati and Sikh Society of Dayton for the local level editions of the annual Sikh Youth Symposium 2026, organized under the aegis of the Sikh Youth Alliance of North America.
According to Sameep Singh Gumtala, Local Convener for the Cincinnati and Dayton, the speech symposium is an annual public speaking platform that brings together Sikh youth between the ages of 6 and 22 years, divided into multiple age groups.
Each group is assigned a specific book and three questions several months in advance, and participants present their understanding through a 5–7 minute speech rooted in Gurmat values and Sikh history.
For the 2026 symposium, participants prepared from a diverse set of books designed to strengthen both knowledge and connection with Sikh heritage.
Group 1 focused on “My Guru’s Blessings – Book 6,” Group 2 on “The Warrior Princess – Part 2,” Group 3 “Teaching Sikh Heritage to the Youth,” while Group 4 reflected on “The Message of Gurbani.” These themes encouraged participants to not only understand Sikh teachings but also relate them to contemporary life and personal growth.
The Cincinnati event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 30 youth, while 18 participants from the Dayton area took part in their local symposium. Both programs began with the recitation of Ardas and Hukumnama, setting a spiritual and reflective tone for the day. Participants delivered well-prepared speeches demonstrating confidence, clarity of thought, and a deep engagement with the assigned topics.
Aasees Kaur, a volunteer, shared that the tradition of weekly workshops continued this year at the Gurdwaras. During these sessions, students practiced public speaking and engaged in group discussions on Gurmat concepts. She remarked that the level of effort and dedication shown by all the participants was truly impressive.
All participants were recognized for their efforts and dedication with prizes and tokens of appreciation. The symposium once again served not only as a competition but as a platform for nurturing confidence, leadership, and a stronger connection to Sikh values among the youth.
Winners from the local level symposiums in Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh will now advance to the next stage. The Ohio – Pennsylvania Regional Competition is scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Sikh Society of Dayton Gurdwara Sahib, where youth from across both states will gather to continue their journey of learning and public speaking.
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