Dayton, Ohio, USA, May 25, 2026(Yes Punjab News)
The Ohio–Pennsylvania Regional level of the annual Sikh Youth Symposium 2026 was recently held at the Sikh Society of Dayton Gurdwara Sahib in Dayton, Ohio. The public speaking symposium, organized under the aegis of the Sikh Youth Alliance of North America (SYANA), brought together Sikh youth from Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.
A total of 37 participants, ranging in age from 6 to 22 years, took part in the regionals across five age groups. These participants had advanced from their respective local-level symposiums held in different cities across the Ohio–Pennsylvania region.
Sameep Singh Gumtala, Local Convener for the Cincinnati and Dayton region, shared that the Sikh Youth Symposium provides Sikh youth an opportunity to build confidence, improve public speaking skills, and deepen their understanding of Sikh history, Gurbani, Gurmat values, and Sikh heritage. He said that each group is assigned a book or theme several months in advance, along with three questions, and participants present their understanding through a prepared speech before judges.
For the 2026 symposium, Group 1 focused on “My Guru’s Blessings – Book 6,” Group 2 on “The Warrior Princess – Part 2,” Group 3 on “Teaching Sikh Heritage to the Youth,” and Group 4 on “The Message of Gurbani – Anand.” Group 5 was given the theme “Guru’s View of a Just World – ਬੇਗਮਪੁਰਾ ਸਹਰ ਕੋ ਨਾਉ,” encouraging youth to reflect on equality, human dignity, social justice, langar, and Guru Sahib’s vision of a just and harmonious society.
The program commenced with Ardas and Hukamnama, setting a spiritual tone for the day. Throughout the symposium, participants presented well-prepared speeches with confidence and clarity, reflecting their efforts in studying the assigned books and topics. Their speeches highlighted Sikh values, historical lessons, personal reflection, and the relevance of Gurmat principles in today’s world.
Kuldeep Singh, National Convener of SYANA, shared that the Sikh Youth Symposium begins at the local level in various cities across the United States and Canada, followed by regional symposiums. Winners from the regional level then advance to the International Sikh Youth Symposium.
He added that the United States and Canada are divided into 13 regions, including the OH-PA region, and participants from these regions come together each year at the international level. Winners from the Regionals will now advance to the International Sikh Youth Symposium 2026, scheduled to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 30 to August 2, 2026.
FOLLOW NOW
