Atlanta, Georgia, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The four-day International Sikh Youth Symposium 2026 brought together 73 children and young adults from across the United States and Canada, with the annual event returning to Atlanta, Georgia, after a gap of 13 years.
Organised by the Sikh Youth Alliance of North America (SYANA), the symposium was hosted at Sikh Study Circle Gurdwara Sahib in Stone Mountain and drew more than 300 participants, family members, organisers and members of the local congregation.
The annual public-speaking programme aims to build confidence, leadership skills and a deeper connection with Sikh heritage. Participants first compete at local and regional levels before winners from 14 regions across North America advance to the international finals.
The participants, aged between six and 22, were divided into five groups and prepared five-to-seven-minute speeches based on assigned books and themes. Topics included Guru’s blessings, Sikh heritage among youth, the message of Gurbani and the Sikh vision of a just society. The senior group explored the concept of ‘Begampura’, focusing on equality, human dignity, social justice, langar and a harmonious society.
A poignant moment during this year’s symposium was a tribute to late S. Kuldeep Singh, SYANA’s National Convener, who died in an accident in May. Organisers and the sangat remembered his longstanding contribution to Gurmat camps, the symposium and Sikh youth education.
The event concluded with a kirtan darbar followed by the announcement of results. Jalnidh Kaur, Sarbat Singh, Kesar Singh, Suhavi Kaur and Sehajveer Singh secured first place in Groups 1 to 5, respectively. All international finalists received the Distinguished Speaker Award.
The organisers thanked participating families, volunteers, the local congregation and the management committee of Sikh Study Circle for supporting the event.
The International Sikh Youth Symposium 2027 will be held in New Jersey during the first weekend of August 2027.
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