Published 09/11/2026 - When trying something new, the outcome is never guaranteed. Success is often less about winning and more about the willingness to learn, grow, and embrace new experiences. That mindset guided Sahijveer Roopra (BA in International Relations and Affairs '30) as he entered this year's Sikh Youth Symposium, an annual competition hosted by the Sikh Youth Alliance of North America. What began as an opportunity to learn ultimately led to an extraordinary achievement: a first-place finish at the International Symposium.

The Sikh Youth Symposium brings together young people from across North America to explore Sikh history, values, and their relevance to contemporary issues through speech and debate competitions. Participants advance through local and regional rounds before earning a place at the international level. Although Roopra had participated in the symposium for many years, 2026 marked his first appearance on the international stage. Yet for him, the experience was always about more than the competition itself. "Even if I had not won, I would have came out of the competition happy because I learned so much and I made connections that will stay with me forever," he said.

For the international round, Roopra competed in a debate centered on Begumpura Sehar Ko Naao ("The City Without Sorrow"), a 15th-century hymn by Bhagat Ravidas Ji that envisions a society free from discrimination and inequality. The discussion examined how the hymn's teachings remain relevant today, particularly in addressing issues of social justice and inclusion. "Sikhism preaches to end all discrimination whether that be of caste, race, gender, or nationality, and to see everyone as equal," he explained. As he prepared for the debate, he also found connections between these ideas and concepts he encounters through the study of international affairs, including discussions of equity, governance, and shared responsibility within communities.

Beyond the competition, the symposium reinforced the values that guide Roopra's understanding of leadership and service. Growing up in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the Sikh community is relatively small, he welcomed the chance to meet participants from across the United States and Canada. Some of the most meaningful moments came not during the debate itself, but through conversations with fellow competitors, community leaders, and older mentors eager to share their experiences. Those interactions deepened his understanding of seva, the Sikh principle of selfless service, and strengthened his commitment to helping others.

Perhaps the most memorable realization came after the competition ended. Having once looked up to older symposium participants as mentors, Roopra shared, "This year, I realized that I had become that mentor for the Sikhs younger than me." Young attendees approached him with questions and congratulations, much as he had done with previous winners years ago. After his experience, he encourages his fellow students to take chances and put themselves in positions to participate in such events, even if it is new.

"Many people are scared of public speaking, or speaking out in general, but there really is not anything to lose," he said. "Even if you are scared, there is no moment like the present to overcome that fear."

Looking ahead, Roopra sees the award not as a culmination but as a beginning. "I believe that my goal in life is to help people as much as I can, and I think that it starts here." Through his studies at Pardee and his continued engagement with his community, he hopes to keep building on that mission, one step at a time.