Passing on the Baton – Youth Leadership
Those of you who are around 35 years old and younger probably notice how the "older generation" operates and does things very differently than you. There is a definite "disconnect" and gap between the older and younger generations. There are more noticeable differences between the generations today than ever before. This is because the world has changed so much in the last 50 to 80 years. The way that the older generation was raised and relates to the world is very different than that of the younger. It’s as if we speak different languages when we relate to each other (and I don’t mean English and Punjabi).
When it comes to leadership I have always felt that it is important for the younger generation of Sikhs to take more leadership roles in our communities. Many of us complain about the politics in Gurdwaras, and many issues that are around us. We talk about what everyone is, or is not doing.
A Side Story: One time after the morning Akhand Path Bhog some of the sangat was serving langar that they had made at the last minute (since there is not normally langar at the time). It wasn’t a planned thing. While in line and getting food, I heard someone complaining about something with the food and I got a bit irritated. The person had no idea of the love and time that went into making this langar. All they saw was what they thought was wrong with the langar (Rather then the blessing of having Guru’s Langar). From then on I realized that someone shouldn’t have the right to complain about something, unless they are a part of the solution. So, the next time you think about complaining or criticizing something, think about how you can be a part of a solution to help make it better. I suppose this is how life is. We tend to not see the many gifts that we already have all around us, and focus on what is wrong, and what we don’t have.
I learn a lot from my elders, however I think the youth of today have a lot to share and contribute also. It can be hard sometimes as a youth wanting to make a difference in this world and finding a place to do so. That feeling of wanting to help create change and solve problems but not being supported or welcomed by the elders. Some obvious things come to mind like how many Gurdwaras are operated and geared towards the adults. Not much effort is made to involve and empower the youth, who are our tomorrow. For every Gurdwara committee there should be a number of youth also a part of it who can help come up with ideas and new ways to support and inspire the youth. There has to be flexibility for change and inclusion. We need both generations involved in bridging this gap. It’s a team effort!
I think it is a conscious focus that has to be there for the elders to mentor and involve the youth in leadership positions. It’s a passing of responsibilities from elders to the younger generation.
One of the things which I think is important is for the youth to get together, to talk and discuss many of these issues, and to find solutions. Many of us want to do something, but don’t know where or what to do. Sometimes when we step up and try to do something the older generation blocks it because it is different and not what they think is right or important.
A few weeks ago we had Khalsa Council meetings here in Espanola and there was one part where everyone (200+ of us from all over the world) broke out into different groups to discuss various issues. I was in the group that discussed the topic of how to involve the youth more in Khalsa Council. It was a very exciting group to be a part of and hearing all the things that people had to say. As a result of this discussion, myself and a few others realized how good it would be to have a youth conference where we as youth could talk about the issues of today and find solutions. The conference would serve to help youth build bonds, gain confidence, and develop leadership/teamwork qualities. It would also be a forum for youth talk about different issues and find common goals. Many of us want to do something, but might not actually do it on our own. This is where a youth support group comes in and the 1+1 doesn’t equal 2; it equals 11.
I know there are many youth that already get together in different parts of the world for camps and other activities. I think this is great. I just feel that within the circle of people that I am involved in, we have so many youth leaders who are involved in the community in so many ways, but exist in a smaller circles of youth. Imagine if many youth organize and get together with a common direction and unified vision! The things that we could do!
When I read of things like someone not being let into Harmandir sahib because they have a bandage on their foot, or other political infighting I am disgusted. I’m not personally interested in going to India and arguing these things with the SGPC, however we can educate ourselves and our friends about these things, so that these practices don’t get passed on to our coming generations. We can all help change things within our own communities, but it does take time and effort. We can’t leave it up to someone else (who is that someone else?).
So with all this in mind some of us youth want to get started. A couple of us youth here in Espanola are going to brainstorm some ideas and come up with a first agenda for a youth meeting (not yet a "conference"). We will then set a date and invite any youth who which to be involved. The first meeting will probably help us all get some ideas and a vision of where to take this further. In the near future I would like to see some type of international youth conference where we have a diverse group intermingling with each other. I would like to encourage other youth wherever you are, to to organize something in your own community. Even just getting together to talk about these things is a good thing.
Many years ago myself and Ravi Kaur went to a local youth leadership workshop and by the end of the day we were both excited about the experience that we had. I remember us talking about how we needed to organize something like that for the Sikh community. Now, here we are so many years later finally on track to do this!
After the workshop the organizer emailed us a really cool "Youth Activities Facilitation Manual". I highly recommend that you download and check it out if you are involved in camps or other youth related activities. It has lots of good stuff! I used some of the ice breakers at the Sikh Student Camp in UK and it was a lot of fun!
Ready or not, here we come!
9 Responses to “Passing on the Baton – Youth Leadership”
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Wahegurujikakhalsawahegurujikifateh!
With the brilliance of youth and the guidance of elders, the energy of youth and the focus of elders, the boldness of youth and humility of elders – thats the only way things can work.
The next generation is our tommorow – we are their yesterday…
There is an untapped potential amongst our Sikh Youth – a power that with the right guidance could shake the earth – but only with love, guidance and understanding from elders.
The youth are our legacy to this world!
Another chardi kala article by brother Gurumustuk!
GURBARAKAAAL!
This is such a great idea! I’ve always wanted to get involved in promoting sikhi but it just hasn’t worked out! Even the gurudwaras in NZ don’t offer many opportunities for youth to be involved.It’s frustrating, sometimes i feel I need to get away from all my worldly affairs and just go to Amritsar to discover sikhism and be part of the khalsa community, but that doesn’t seem to be taking shape anytime soon. I’ve thought about starting a sikhism group at the university but so far I haven’t met anyone who might be able to support me through it because I want it to be sucessful and make it a wonderful experience for all students but I seems like a big task for me alone! :(
Well my point being all youth who ever have the opportunity to participate they should make the most of their opportunity because there are lots of people out there who long to do it but don’t have the means to do so.
But I know and have faith in Waheguru that once I do finish my studies and am more independent I will explore the opportunities i’ve always wanted to.
Thanks for posting such articles and continually reminding me of my goals in life. May Waheguru bless us all so that we all realise that as Sikhs we have the responibility to spread the treasure of SGGS in this universe.
Sat Nam Gurumustuk Singh ji- My applause…. for remembering to not buy into a status quo that does not fit. Every generation must ask the questions, not only for one’s self, that prompt one to take action. Responsibility = “Response” “Ability”.
I was sent to open an ashram at 21; married at 22; first child at 23; working internationally by about 30, when SDFE (Sikh Dharma Foreign Education) was in its early years. Standing on my own two lotus feet, and standing up for myself, taking opportunities, working in and out of the “system” I shed the “youth”. It wasn’t someone else who pronounced me no longer a “youth”, it was myself – who no longer answered as such.
About the time the gray hairs came (for me mid-thirties I spotted my first), so did the brain start to register a growing sense of wisdom and maturity, perspective. Now, in my mid-fifties, I sometimes feel like I am just starting out, learning still.
Guru, in the form of time, places one amidst circumstances to grow and contribute, learn, and realize one’s destiny. It is up to each of us to act upon the opportunities, go deep to nourish the ‘seed’, keeping it watered and good healthy soil, values. Amrit Naam, Sadh Sangat – incredible blessings over all. Guru Ji gives us so many tools.
The world has lots to do…plenty for everyone …:) Keep up the great work…
WGJKK, WGJKF
Hi,
What age group does “yoof” refer to?
Jaskooner
WJKK
WJKF
Dear All,
It is really a great idea to have these camps for youths & to ignite in them the great ideals of our Gurus. You ppl in UK, US etc are fortunate that u regularly have these knd of activities.
I would request you to kindly try & organise such camps in India also.The youths out here have been weaned of such great oppurtunities. There are very few such camps in held in India & those which are there charge too much & an average Indian family can’t afford that.
I will humbly request all u nice & great ppl there to pay some attention towards youth in India ,especially Punjab also, so that we can revive Sikhism in its own land
Thanks & Regards,
Jatinder Pal Singh
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
I know this is a long way coming, but it would be great if youth in different cities started getting together and making their own commitees. If would be even greater if we had a lot of interaction between these commitees around the world to share ideas and to support eachother. Just by emailing eachother or interacting over the internet is a great place to start. I live in northern BC, in Canada and the youth here are isolated and it would be great if we had a more interactions with Vancouver BC or lower mainland youth Sikhs. I hope that with time these meaningful connections are created and that we support eachother to reach agreed upon goals.
Leadership is a very key word. Guiding, leading, helping, inspiring at all ages is an attitude of the Khalsa way of life. How do you live your life?
Do you live with love and gratitude? You can accomplish amazing things with an attitude of love and gratitude.
sat nam
thank you for bringing out this key question. I believe it lays in the hearts of many of us who belong to the new generation, especially for what concerns the legacy of the teachings of Yogi Bhajan (khalsa council, kri etc). It is up to us to speak out and work towards taking the baton consciuosly rather than waiting for it to fall into our hands, when the first generation will be gone. We should not forget that all evolution comes from self-initiation and that since the times are changing, what was so beautifully created, must today and always be updated and revised in order to continue radiating a high vibration of consciousness.
Lets keep this issue alive and see where it takes us.
Blessings to All
I was watching a show yesterday where a 102-year old woman was being interviewed. She had the spirit and attitude of a much younger person. It brought the thought to my mind; it’s not the physical age that matters so much, it’s the youthful and playful spirit of the mind that does. Maybe we can all work together without so much concern for the age difference, but remember to keep the spirit of youth and new change for the future.