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 featuring Bakersfield Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur in discussion with Dr. Amrit Dhillon. The conversation explored how Sikh values continue to shape public leadership, community organizing, and civic engagement, while reflecting on the responsibilities that come with representation in public life.

Starting the talk, Dr. Dhillon framed the series around a central question, what does it mean to practice seva and Sarbat da Bhala in today’s political and social landscape? Together, the webinar examined leadership not as a title, but as a lifelong commitment to serving others through community, public institutions, and meaningful action.

Speaking on her own journey from community organizing to elected office, Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur described how Sikh values have remained the foundation of her work. She spoke about growing up in the Central Valley, finding community through the gurdwara, and returning home after college to organize around education, health, and economic justice before entering public service. “Sikhi stayed and has always been that north star for me,” she shared, adding that her goal has been to encourage Sikh youth “to be a part of these systems where decisions are being made.”

The webinar also explored the significance of representation, particularly for Sikh women and young people. Kaur reflected on what it means to be among the first Sikh women elected to local office, emphasizing that representation creates possibilities for those who follow. “I always reply and say, no, I want to see them go further,” she said when parents tell her they hope their daughters will one day be in her position. She also noted, “When you’re the first, you want to make sure you’re never the last.”

Throughout the talk, Kaur returned to the idea of seva as something that extends beyond traditional forms of service. She encouraged young people to first discover their own strengths and then use those talents in service of others. “Pick what resonates with you as a specialty and then turn it towards seva,” she said. “You’ll never be without some sort of seva to do.”

The discussion also addressed the responsibilities of public leadership during challenging times, including discrimination, economic hardship, and the importance of coalition building across communities. Kaur emphasized that Sikh principles continue to guide her decisions in public office, explaining that “my encouragement to youth is always make sure you’re answering to something bigger than even that system,” reminding participants that Sikh values provide a lasting foundation beyond political ideologies.

The conversation ended with reflections on the importance of documenting Sikh American history, strengthening community institutions, and creating pathways for future generations to serve with integrity and purpose.

The Sikh Foundation extends its gratitude to Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur, Dr. Amrit Dhillon, and everyone who joined this conversation. As the Sikhs in Action series continues, we look forward to more conversations exploring how Sikh values continue to inspire leadership, service, and community across generations.

On June 11, the Sikh Foundation and the UC Santa Cruz Sarbjit Singh Aurora Endowed Chair in Sikh and Punjabi Studies hosted a conversation with Harsimran Kaur, Executive Director of the United Sikh Movement (USM), and Simran Jeet Singh. As part of the Sikhs in Action webinar series, the discussion explored how community, mentorship, and Sikh values help young people develop as leaders while strengthening their connection to Sikhi.

Speaking about her journey, Harsimran Kaur spoke about the importance of finding sangat during college and how it transformed the course of her life. Recalling her first USM conference, she shared, “For the first time in college, I felt connected to something bigger.” She described the college years as a pivotal period when young adults begin shaping their identity and values. “If they don’t have opportunities to engage with Sikhi, have community, and really build their own leadership skills during these years, we’re really not going to capture them after,” she explained.

Simran Jeet Singh reflected on this stage of life and why it’s so significant. “There’s a freedom in becoming who you want to be, or becoming who you will be,” he said. He said that college is often the first time many young people are living independently and making important decisions for themselves, making mentorship and community especially meaningful during those years.

The conversation also explored mental health, youth engagement, and USM’s work to cultivate leadership opportunities for Sikh students across the country. Throughout the discussion, both speakers emphasized that leadership begins with belonging, creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to serve their communities.

The Sikh Foundation is grateful to Harsimran Kaur, Simran Jeet Singh, and everyone who joined this conversation. As the Sikhs in Action series comes to a close, we thank all who participated in these meaningful discussions celebrating Sikh leadership, service, and community.

Speaking from his experiences in the Peace Corps, economic development, and the Virginia House of Delegates, JJ Singh reflected on the ways service became important to both his professional and political life. Throughout the webinar, he emphasized that Sikh principles were not simply personal beliefs, but values he sought to integrate into everyday public work. “I wanted them to be a part of the work that I do,” he explained, “not just an extracurricular”.

The two also spoke about the relationship between representation and responsibility in public office. Delegate JJ Singh spoke on his role as the first turbaned Sikh elected to statewide office in Virginia, Singh described leadership not as visibility for its own sake, but as an opportunity to serve with steadiness and accountability. “What represents our community well,” he noted, “is just steady, sober, governing”. He spoke about the importance of interfaith inclusion, coalition building, and creating public spaces where people of different backgrounds feel represented and welcomed.

Delegate JJ Singh focused on mentorship and political participation, especially for younger generations. Singh encouraged participants to think less about titles and more about meaningful action within their communities. “People get caught up in focusing on what they want to be,” he reflected, “and not what they want to do”. He urged young people interested in leadership to begin locally by helping neighbors, supporting their communities, and building long-term relationships rooted in trust and service.

The conversation also explored practical aspects of public life, including campaign organizing, legislative compromise, college affordability, and protecting houses of worship. Audience members joined with thoughtful questions about Sikh identity, civic responsibility, and the challenges of balancing family, faith, and political leadership.

The Sikh Foundation is grateful to Delegate JJ Singh, Preetmohan Singh, and all who attended. As the Sikhs in Action series continues, we look forward to further conversations on Sikh leadership, public service, and community engagement.

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.

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 titled “Nirbhau Nirvair: Courage, Compassion, and Sikh Women’s Leadership.” The conversation brought together Senator Manka Dhingra, Kiran Kaur Gill, and Mallika Kaur to reflect on how Sikh values shape advocacy, public service, and community care.

Speakers

Mallika Kaur is a lawyer, educator at UC Berkeley Law, and Executive Director of Sikh Family Center, with two decades of work on gender-based violence and human rights.

Manka Dhingra is a Washington State Senator and the first Sikh elected to a U.S. state legislature, with a background in prosecution and advocacy for mental health and domestic violence.

Kiran Kaur Gill is Executive Director of SALDEF, leading national efforts in policy, civic engagement, and Sikh civil rights, with prior experience as an entrepreneur and community leader.

Mallika opened the discussion by asking what Nirbhau means in a time marked by fear, anger, and uncertainty. As she noted, “fearless does not mean reckless”. For her, fearlessness means “preparing wisely, being alert,” and taking “small steps towards somewhat of a clear path” even when that path is unclear.

The conversation moved through leadership, justice, feminism, and the responsibility to speak without hatred. Senator Dhingra reflected on Sikh women as warriors and leaders, saying, “Fearlessness for me is this internal strength in sticking to your values and really standing up for what’s right”. Kiran Kaur Gill echoed this in her own reflection on leadership, noting, “Taking those difficult positions and really standing strong… I don’t back down,” even when the work can feel isolating.

Together, the speakers explored Nirvair as a way of standing against oppression without losing compassion. They discussed gender justice, domestic violence, civic engagement, misinformation, and the need to challenge systems of harm while still seeing humanity in others.

The Sikh Foundation is grateful to Senator Manka Dhingra, Kiran Kaur Gill, and Mallika Kaur for sharing their insights, and to everyone who joined us. The conversation was a reminder that Sikh women’s leadership is not only about representation, but about courage, care, and living our values in public life.

As part of the Sikhs in Action series, the Sikh Foundation and the UC Santa Cruz Endowed Chair in Sikh and Punjabi Studies welcomed participants to an online conversation titled “Sikhs in America: Why History Matters.” Hosted by Dr. Harpreet Singh of Harvard University, the event invited us to reflect on early Sikh migration and settlement in the United States and to consider how these histories continue to shape Sikh identity today.

The evening unfolded as both a presentation and a conversation, moving between archival history and present day concerns. Dr. Tejpaul Singh Bainiwal, scholar, educator, and co-founder of the Sikh American History Project, drew from early newspapers, political campaigns, and community archives to show how Sikh American history is not only about migration, but also about power, exclusion, memory, and self representation.

Dr. Bainiwal centered his talk on the need to read Sikh American history with care and to understand institutions like Stockton Gurdwara in their full significance. Reflecting on one early newspaper headline, he noted that “when somebody is allowing somebody else to do something, that hints to a social hierarchy that is in place,” and later reminded listeners that “the Gurdwara for us isn’t just a place of worship, it is a social, political, educational, cultural, and religious hub.” He closed by underscoring the stakes of historical memory itself: “history is not neutral,” and “if we aren’t the caretakers, if we aren’t the storytellers, somebody else will tell that story.”

In conversation with Dr. Bainiwal, Dr. Harpreet Singh drew connections between these earlier histories and the present, especially through the legacy of Bhagat Singh Thind and the continuing politics of exclusion. He reflected that Thind “was being excluded because the common understanding seemed that he was not white,” and observed that today the language may be different, but “there are some compelling parallels that can be drawn here.” As the discussion continued, he also pointed to what Sikh history might offer the present moment, asking what Sikhs can teach “our fellow Americans” about denaturalization, state power, and the need to respond to these histories with greater clarity and courage.

The Sikh Foundation is grateful to Dr. Tejpaul Singh Bainiwal and Dr. Harpreet Singh for sharing so generously, and to everyone who joined us. The conversation was a reminder of why we hold these gatherings to bring people together across generations, to reflect on Sikh history and community memory, and to carry those insights into the challenges of our own time.To learn more or support efforts in preserving and sharing local history, visit San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum and be part of the work.

It took me a while to process my response to Punjabi Poetica’s Heer. My literary sensitivity was shaped by the verses of Shakespeare, the pantheism of Emerson, the wisdom of Walt Whitman and other Western poets and writers. I was trained to deconstruct Western narratives, but remained, a stranger to the works of Punjabi poets and the great epics of Punjabi literature. That changed when I attended Punjabi Poetica events at Sonia Dhami’s picturesque backyard and started reading excerpts of poems by poets most of whom I had not heard of.  

Waris Shah’s “Heer” curated by Sonia Dhami had a profound impact on me. It was an evocative, deeply visceral experience that brought me to tears and connected me to a legacy I did not know I was missing.

The enduring power of Waris Shah’s “Heer” lies in its timeless, searingly relevant theme. The story of Heer and Ranjha is not simply a historical romance; it is a fierce commentary on societal constraints, patriarchal honor, and the rebellious, untamable nature of true love. In an age where we still grapple with these very issues, Heer in the voice of Ishmeet Narula, a trained Sufi singer was a raw and honest exploration of love pitted against malicious intent.  Ishmeet’s singing has a range that perfectly captured the emotional layers of the epic poem. In moments of tender love or quiet grief, her voice was a soulful lament that drew tears. Yet, in Heer’s defiance and Ranjha’s anguish,her notes rose into a powerful, roaring cry against injustice. It was a performance that embodied the full spectrum of emotions embodied in Waris Shah’s Heer. The accompanying musicians -Tejasvi’s lyrical flute, Gurdeep’s grounding tabla, and Harinder’s stirring mandolin created a soundscape that carried Waris Shah’s verses across time and space.

The performance was interwoven with an English narration by Sonia Dhami and Sadia Azmat. They stitched the various episodes together and provided cultural context. 

A visual backdrop of beautiful paintings inspired by the legend were projected throughout the performance. Artists Sobha Singh, Abdul R. Chugtai , Ustad Allah Baksh & Jatinder S. Durhailay’s imagery as well as archival Qissa covers from Dr. Ishwar D. Gaur’s collection alongside translations by Ayesha Nadir Alibrought yet another dimension to the presentation.

Punjabi Poetica’s Heer was a bridge across time; a soul -stirring reclamation of our heritage. The timeless tragedy of Heer and Ranjha, often dubbed the “Romeo and Juliet of Punjab,” resonated with contemporary relevance.  It was a powerful reminder that Heer is not for the archives.  It belongs to us, here and now. When we are ready to embrace our heritage, it tears through time and demands we listen. We listen, feel and strive to bring change in a society ridden with the same malaise that brought an innocent love to a tragic end. 

Jessikaur.com

This performance was developed by non-profit Art & Tolerance and  supported by the Sikh Foundation and Headlands Center for the Arts

Age Group 1: Emerging Young Artists (4–10 Years)

1st – “This sakhi reminds us that the Divine lives in all beings and always protects true faith.” – Rubina Sanghera 🥇

2nd – “Guru Nanak Dev Ji used a simple flower to teach kindness and lifelong learning.” – Sargun Kaur 🥈

3rd – “I loved how even animals showed their love and kindness toward Guru Nanak Dev Ji.” – Niam Singh 🥉

3rd – “My grandma’s story helped me see and paint the sakhi in my own way.” – Yuvaan Singh 🥉

Age Group 2: Growing Voices of Vision (11–15 Years)

1st – “Guru Ram Das Ji’s humility and seva inspire me to live with truth, kindness, and compassion.” – Sachi Nanda 🥇

2nd – “The story of the Panj Pyare shows that courage and faith can lead to greatness.” – Japjit Kaur 🥈

3rd – “‘There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim’ reminds me that all people are equal in God’s eyes.” – Agam Gill 🥉

Age Group 3: Inspiring Youth Leaders (16–21 Years)

1st – “Even in the fiercest darkness, faith and light can drive away any shadow.” – Jasleen Sihota 🥇

2nd – “Bhai Lalo’s pure heart teaches us that honest work and compassion hold true worth.” – Tara Kaur Kodial 🥈

3rd – “Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s calm courage in Mecca embodies the eternal spirit of Bir Ras.” – Anhad Singh Girgla 🥉

Honoring Every Young Artist

Names: Anhad Kaur · Chand Kodial · Heer Singh · Jasjot Padam · Gurleen Kaur Cheema · Darvesh Kaur · Sahil Singh Dhawan