By Pravinderjeet Kaur Mahel | Opinion |
I have two key takeaways from the “Sikhi & Sikh Youth in the 21st Century” seminar in Kuala Lumpur on June 30, 2024. One, understanding the various challenges faced by Sikh youths in the 21st century. Second, the reasons why many avoid coming to the Gurdwara and participating in community activities.
I had the benefit of some insightful discussions and expert sharing at the seminar. It became clear that there are several factors contributing to this trend. They include a lack of understanding of Sikh values and traditions, the influence of modern lifestyles, and sometimes a disconnect between the youth and the older generations within our community.
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The event highlighted ways we can address and overcome these issues. Some of the solutions discussed were making Gurdwara activities more youth-friendly and relevant, incorporating modern technology and social media to reach out to the younger generation, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. By understanding these challenges and actively working on these solutions, we can encourage more Sikh youth to participate in our community, embrace our values, and carry forward our rich heritage.
TO VIEW SEMINAR PROCEEDINGS, CLICK HERE (Recording courtesy of LiveSikhs)
This experience has truly opened my eyes to the importance of bridging the gap between tradition and modernity to ensure the active involvement of Sikh youth in our community. It’s a call to action for all of us to create a welcoming space that resonates with the younger generation and inspires them to stay connected to their roots.
The Subang Sikh Youth Club is at the forefront of this effort, actively providing a platform for youths to contribute positively. Our Club is dedicated to creating opportunities for young Sikhs to engage meaningfully and are constantly welcoming more youths to join us in initiatives that promote our values and strengthen our community bonds.
Author: Pravinderjeet Kaur Mahel is the Vice President of Subang Sikh Youth, the youth wing of Gurdwara Sahib Subang, Selangor. The 22 year-old read the LLB degree in 2023 and is currently pursuing MBA while working in a corporate sector.
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