Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh
Raised in the city of Tracy, CA, I bore witness to a changing demographic over my lifetime that saw an influx of Sikh Punjabis settling throughout the Valley. Although this was exciting for a kid like me who could now see a reflection of himself in his local community, it did not necessarily equate to power and representation for those that came. In fact, this invited newer challenges that were not talked about or acted upon. For me, I did not know where to start.
After graduating high school, I was formally introduced to the Jakara Movement through Lalkaar, the annual summer collegiate conference. This weekend experience pushed me to look at the issues facing the Punjabi Sikh community with a critical lens and inspired me to join the movement in my collegiate years at JMC. I learned that a community as large as ours (and still growing), it required more than just debate. It required more than just signature petitions. It required organizing - building political and economic power statewide with an emphasis on leadership development, social justice, and service learning.
I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity to work for the next few years with the Sangat. Your enterprising spirit and assertiveness have not lessened, and neither has mine. Your continual optimism in the face of struggle has pushed us to become stronger after each trial. I am ready to take this path with you.
In Chardi Kala,
Jashdeep Singh
Policy Fellow
[email protected]