This weekend, I traveled to Pittsburgh, PA for the International Sikh Youth Symposium. The Sikh Youth Symposium is a speech competition. The participants are asked to read a book and answer 3 questions based off of the book. The questions must be answered in speech format and the speech must fit into the allotted time. The purpose of this competition is to educate the Sikh youth about their religion and to prepare them for the real world. The books are all about Sikhism, and the questions are related to the Sikh way of life.
There are three levels: the local level, the regional level, and the international level. The international level lasts four days. On the first day, the participants check in at the hotel and register for the competition. The second day is the competition for levels 1-4 (the levels are grouped by age) and in the evening, there is a banquet in honor of the participants. The third day is the level five debate and the evening is a fun excursion; this year’s excursion was a river cruise along the city. The final day is the prize distribution.
Going to the internationals is more than just competing and winning a prize. Even just watching is amazing. Everybody is so experienced and knowledgeable. When competing, it is very nerve-wracking at first but once you begin it’s just as if you are at home practicing with your parents. After competing, you feel recognized and accomplished. You feel so inspired by all of the speakers. The entire experience is very empowering and there is nothing like it.