Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lfWKYJIsy4
As part of the Sikhs in Action series, the Sikh Foundation and the UC Santa Cruz Sarbjit Singh Aurora Chair in Sikh and Punjabi Studies welcomed participants to an online conversation on Punjab’s present challenges and future direction. Hosted by Sampreet Goraya, the discussion explored a core question: how a community rooted in seva continues to face weakening institutions.
At the heart of the conversation, Sampreet framed the question through a core idea: how does a society built on trust, service, and collective care arrive at a moment marked by institutional decline? As he noted, “Seva builds trust, trust is the foundation of institutions, and institutions are the foundation of prosperity”. And yet, he pushed further, asking, “How does a community so committed to seva produce such failing institutions?”.
Sunny Singh, entrepreneur and founder of Roundglass, approached the issue from lived experience, emphasizing that Punjab’s challenges are deeply interconnected. As he put it, “It’s not one problem… it’s a potpourri of issues”, and at its core, “it’s a lack of leadership”. Rather than pointing to resources as the constraint, he stressed action and execution, noting that “money is important… but that’s not where the problem is”. Instead, he highlighted the need to build momentum through results, emphasizing that change begins by showing success and building from it over time.
The conversation also touched on the role of the global Punjabi diaspora and the growing disconnect among younger generations. Both speakers reflected on the need to rebuild trust, create meaningful pathways for involvement, and rethink how institutions engage with youth today.
The Sikh Foundation extends its gratitude to Sampreet Goraya and Sunny Singh for their insights, and to all who joined. The discussion offered a starting point that invites deeper reflection, and continued engagement with the questions shaping Punjab’s future.To learn more or get involved, visit Roundglass Foundation and be part of the change.