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Dr. Gurinder Pal Singh

(Regional Keertan Darbar Coordinator, Western North Region of USA)

Dear and Respected Parents, Participants, and Honored Guests,

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On behalf of the organizing committee of the 38 Sri Hemkunt
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Foundation International Sikh Youth Symposium and host of 16
International Keertan Darbar, it is my profound honor and
privilege to welcome you all to this beautiful event at the Sikh
Gurdwara, San Jose, California.

I feel fortunate to be associated with Sri Hemkunt Foundation
programs since 1990, first as a parent, then as a center
convener, zonal convener and since 2007 as the Keertan Darbar
Coordinator for the Western North Region of USA.

Sri Hemkunt Foundation Keertan Darbar provides us an
opportunity to come together as a Sangat and listen to the divine hymns from young singers,

connect with Waheguru, and find peace in the harmonious vibrations of Gurbani. I feel this to be a
matter of great blessing that Sri Hemkunt Foundation Keertan Darbar was initiated in 2006 by the
late S. Shamsher Singh Ji during the International Symposium that we hosted here.

The Keertan Darbar has made great strides over these years. Children not only sing Shabads in
the same raag, in which it is entered in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, they also sing it using a multitude
of Sikh Heritage String and Percussion instruments. Children work hard with their trainers to
master the musical instruments, raags, composition, Gurbani pronunciation and the art of singing.
This progress will not be possible without the dedicated trainers. Our volunteer panels of highly

skilled judges work tirelessly to provide verification of the progress.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the trainers, judges, sewadaars and parents for their

unwavering support and encouragement. Your dedication is truly inspiring, and it is through your
efforts that our youth can flourish and shine brightly. Contributions of all the regional Keertan
coordinators across the world and Sri Hemkunt Foundation Board members; in particular S.
Karamjit Singh Ji is gratefully acknowledged.

I also want to express my thanks for the Sikh Gurdwara San Jose Parbandhak Committee and
Sewadaars of the Guru Nanak Khalsa School San Jose for their hard work and support to make this
event possible.

To all the participants, we commend your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm. You are the pride
of our community, and we are eager to witness your talents and hear your insightful thoughts. May
Waheguru bless you all with wisdom, peace, and everlasting joy.