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Navnidh Kaur Arora

I am Navnidh Kaur, a 5th grader in Murdock Portal Elementary School
in Cupertino, California.

I participated last year for the first time in Hemkunt speech
competition and I even went to the International level. I won Gold
there and now, even though I am only 10 years old, I have to
particiapte in Level 3.

I want to thank my parents who helped guide me through this journey.
My Dad wrote all of my speeches. I want to thank my principal and my
teachers at GNKS for their guidance and encouragement.

Throughout my journey I have learned a lot about the history of us

(Sikhs) and how to deliver a good speech in front of an audience. While preparing, the lines of my
speech kept running through my head, at school or while doing something. This strategy helped me
memorize and think about how I want my speech to reach my audience. Navnidh Kaur Arora

Jasneet Kaur Arora & Harveen Singh Arora

We are excited to welcome international Sangat to

the Sri Hemkunt Symposium 2024 held in San Jose,
CA. We feel blessed to have experienced the magic
of Sri Hemkunt Symposium held in Big Apple New York
last year in 2023.

It started with our 9 year old daughter participating
in the regional Gurbani Speech with children
participating from many Gurdwaras in the Bay Area.
This led her to participate in the Sri Hemkunt
Foundation Symposium. The speech preparation
process enhanced her understanding of the Sikhs.

The competition helped develop her public speaking
skills. She chose “apni Punjabi” to deliver her speeches. While it was not easy for her, she challenged
herself and has worked hard on it.

Her participation has given not only her but us parents a great opportunity to learn so much about our
Gurus and Sikhi and further strengthen our bond with the Guru. This also created an environment for
family discussions and a deeper understanding of our own heritage.

It is heartwarming to see so many kids participating in the Sikh activities organized by Sri Hemkunt
Symposium and dedication of all the parents who encourage and embark on this journey with their kids.

Last but not least, a Big THANK You to the organizers and Sewadars who volunteer to make the Sri
Hemkunt Symposium an event to remember and look forward to each year.