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My journey with Hemkunt Symposium (1999-Present)

Gurumukh Singh Tiwana

My involvement with the Sri Hemkunt Foundation,

spanning from 1999 to the present day, has been a
deeply enriching journey that has significantly
shaped my personal spiritual growth and learning
of Sikh history. What began as a parent in April
1999, when my daughter Barkha Kaur, first
participated in the speech competition at Guru

Nanak Khalsa School San Jose, has evolved into
almost a lifelong partnership, allowing me to
contribute meaningfully to furthering the goals of
the Foundation. My first experience of the
International Symposium was in 2003 when my son,
Manpreet Singh qualified in the youngest group.
That event was not too far from home as it was in

Fremont – 20 miles from home. But it gave a
glimpse of the gathering that happens at the
International Symposium and we as a family were impressed with all the young speakers.

In 2006 Silicon Valley was the host for the International Symposium. Having been to the event in

2004 and 2005 and looking at the hospitality of the hosts, I was keen to help in the organizing
of the event. This opportunity provided me with invaluable insights into event organization,
logistical planning, and effective team coordination. I learned firsthand the importance of
attention to detail, clear communication, and collaborative spirit necessary to orchestrate a
successful symposium that celebrates our community's heritage and intellectual achievements.

The following year in 2007, Dr Gurinder Pal Singh, the convener of Silicon Valley zone approached
me and requested if I could take over the convener role. I was honored to assume the role of
convener for the Silicon Valley zone. This appointment marked a significant milestone in my
journey, expanding my role from parent to facilitator of cultural and religious celebration within
our community. Over the course of the next 18 years, I have tried multiple ways to engage

children and motivate them to participate – sometimes pointing out to them the examples of
successful speeches and other times with awards and gifts. Here in Silicon Valley zone, we have a
very strong team that tries to educate the parents on the benefits of the speech competition,
and also entice the children to participate with special gifts every year. Once the parents are
onboard, it is much easier as they can also be part of motivating their children.