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Manpreet Singh Tiwana
The Hemkunt Symposium holds a
special place in my heart, not just as

a platform for honing my speaking
skills, but as a journey of personal
growth and religious and cultural
discovery. From my early years, this

competition became a cornerstone in
shaping my identity.

I started competing when I was very

young, and it would be great as the
whole family would get together. We
all learned and grew in our
understanding of Sikh history. As I

grew older, we started to have more
challenging topics, such as the 4
Khands and their relevance, meaning,
and applications in life. The speeches
did not just demand eloquence; they

demanded authenticity. Each speech
required me to articulate not only facts but also the emotions and values embedded in our history.
Through this process, I learned the art of storytelling—how to weave narratives that resonate with an

audience. These skills transcended the competition hall, becoming invaluable tools in my personal and
professional life.

The path was not merely academic or competitive; it was an experience that fostered lifelong

friendships. The international competitions became a place to meet old friends and enjoy the bus rides
and jokes of Paul uncle. It gave me an opportunity to connect with other young Sikh peers my age who
shared a passion for our shared history and culture.

In retrospect, the Hemkunt Symposium was more than a series of competitions; it was a place that
truly shaped my identity and fortified my voice. It empowered me to embrace my Sikh heritage with
pride, connect with like-minded individuals across borders, and evolve into a confident and articulate
communicator. I hope the younger generation finds the joy, and experiences the same growth that I
did through Hemkunt.