Sri Hemkunt Foundation to hold 21st International Sikh Youth Symposium

The 21st Annual International Symposium will be held in Southern California, from Thursday, August 6 to Sunday August 9, 2009.

The symposium will consist of a speech competition and a kirtan (Sikh hymns) competition featuring 90 contestants from USA and Europe.  These individuals have already won first place standings in their regions to reach the international finals. 

The Sri Hemkunt Foundation was started in the early 1980’s in New York to engage Sikhs between ages six to twenty-five living outside India to teach them about Sikh religion, history and culture through speech competitions. Three years ago, the kirtan competition format was added to the program.  

In addition to the competition, the group will take a sight-seeing tour of Hollywood Walk of Fame and visit the pristine beaches of California. A formal banquet will also be held to honor the participants where they will hear from motivational speakers, dance to Bhangra tunes, and enjoy other entertainment.

“The Annual International Symposium not only brings together our cream of the crop participants, but also like minded families from around the world who get to develop life long friendships.  Many of our alumni have gone on to becoming responsible members of society at large.  We have produced CEO’s, heads of government agencies, public interest group organizers and many other commendable leadership role models” said Ravinder Singh, this year’s International Host Convener. 

            The Speech Contest will be held at Lankershim Gurdwara, North Hollywood, on Friday August 7, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Kirtan Contest will be held at Vermont Gurdwara, Los Angeles, on Saturday August 8, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

The public is welcome to observe the competition. For more information, please visit the foundation’s website at www.hemkunt.org, or contact Ravinder Singh at (818) 700-6996.