My ties with Jakara first started during my junior year in high school. I wanted to get involved with volunteering and I came across information about an upcoming Sikh camp. I participated in Jakara Juniors as a volunteer, and as I began to learn and get more in touch with my Sikh roots, my interest grew and soon I was a moderator. Being involved with youth and teaching them about our history has helped me tremendously in developing public speaking and social skills.
When I was initially introduced to Jakara I was your typical shy kid. During the past three years, I have noticed a transformation in my confidence and comfort speaking with others. Now I find myself to be more outgoing and most important, I’m in touch with my community and my Sikh roots.
This past summer I attended the summer Jakara conference where I met lots of other Sikh youth making change within their communities. It’s pretty amazing that I started off as a volunteer and just last weekend I was in charge of organizing “Our Nation Never Forgets” Jakara Juniors camp in Fresno. Jakara has helped me grow both as an aspiring lawyer and as a Sikh. Thank you Jakara!
Iqbal Singh, Age 18, Fresno