Page 56 - Untitled-1

Pargat Singh

I competed in the Hemkunt competition for 10 years
(2000-2009) alongside my older sister. With
training and support from my family, I managed to
reach the International level 3 times, placing in the
top 3 each time. I still remember the International
level trips very fondly, in large part due to the

friends I made there. Even growing up with a large
local Sikh community it was fantastic to meet other
Sikh kids with shared interests. The competition was
also a great excuse for a family trip to an area we
might not otherwise have visited. I also volunteered
when the International competition was being
hosted by my local zone. I used the public speaking

skills I learned in the Hemkunt symposium to excel

on the Debate team in high school, winning multiple
tournaments and earning invites to state and national championship events. In addition to finding
a love of competition and public speaking, I fell in love with and married Ramanpreet Dheri, a
fellow Hemkunt competitor, who I had gotten to know on our shared Hemkunt trips when we were
kids. I attended UC San Diego and after completing a degree in Computer Engineering, I am
pursuing a career as a software developer in the Bay Area. I wish all the best for the continuous

growth and Chardi Kala of Sri Hemkunt Foundation in future!

Ramanpreet Kaur Dheri

I began competing in the Hemkunt speech competition when I was 7 years old and continued

participating for 10 years (2001-2010). I also took part in the Hemkunt Kirtan competition for
many years including the inaugural event in Florida. My Kirtan Jatha and I also competed and won
1st place at the International level 3 consecutive years in a row. I then went on to study at UCLA
and Harvard Law School, and now work as an attorney. I am married to fellow Hemkunt alumni,
Pargat Singh, whom I often competed against. I would credit the Hemkunt competitions with
helping me to overcome my immense stage fright. During my first Hemkunt speech, I could barely
get my words out due to my shaking, and in fact stopped my speech halfway through because I
was overcome with nerves. Thanks to the opportunity provided by the Hemkunt competitions and

years of hard work and practice, I am now fully comfortable with public speaking and able to
present in front of large groups with ease.