Representing the USA at the UN Human Rights Summit

Delegate for the USA at the International Human Rights Summit

Background:

I just came back from a week in New York City, and although I am still jet-lagged and recovering, I am truly still on cloud 9 with this whole experience. Many of you have been asking for me to share my experiences at the summit, and I figured it would be best to put them all into a blog where I can thoroughly detail everything.

It's interesting-- mainly because I didn't even know the term "human rights" existed up until recently. Although I was doing human rights work for quite some time now, I always associated the work that I did with "civil rights." Human Rights, and this summit, truly expanded that definition and view for me... knowing that rights belong to every human being in this world, and unfortunately, many countries are failing short.

I applied to be a delegate for this summit, honestly not thinking I would be selected to represent the USA. But when I got that email of acceptance, I was ecstatic and literally screamed while sitting next to my dog ( Sorry to my dog betta for giving you that heart attack <3). But in all seriousness, I was so excited to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity, and represent my faith, state, and country.

I am truly blessed to have had a full support system behind me in order for me to attend this summit. Thank you to those who donated to my GoFundMe page-- without your support, I couldn't have made it. I would also like to give a HUGE shoutout to Shop Common Threads in Denver for sponsoring all the lovely clothing I got to wear at the United Nations, as well as Lipsense by Megan Flowers for sponsoring the prettiest shade of "bella" during my time in NYC.

I am also truly thankful to the many news outlets who shared this news on their respective platforms-- including Harjot Singh Khalsa with SikhNet, SALDEF, Jatinder Pahala with Sikh Entrepreneur, HB Singh with Asia Samachar, and Jus Punjabi News Network I was truly touched with the amount of support and love given to me from the Sikh community.

My Seat at the Summit

The Summit: After traveling on a flight for 3 hours, I finally had arrived in NYC. I was blessed to have been able to room together with the delegates from UK, Albania, and Zimbabwe, and even more lucky to call them my friends after this summit :)

So the summit was 3 days, with the first two days being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and the last in Harlem. During the first two days, delegates from all over the world ( I believe there were over 44 countries represented) got to hear from so many speakers-- ranging from UN Ambassadors, to teachers, to rappers/poets, etc. It was truly a diverse group of speakers who spoke on issues ranging from discrimination, to human trafficking, to other advocacy issues. For me, there were a few standout speeches that will always stick with me.

We were lucky enough to hear from the UN Ambassador from Canada, and although he was incredibly kind in person, his speech really spoke to me. Coming from a country that is neighbors with the USA, he talked about how no country can ever be exempt from potentially violating human

UN Ambassador from Canada

rights. No matter how "modern" a country might be, there is always room for improvement. For example, I was surprised to learn that human trafficking is still such a huge issue in the USA, mainly because the news just doesn't report on it anymore.

But probably one of my favorite experiences during this summit was to watch Colby Jeffers perform "we can change the world." I am a HUGE rap fan, and so as I was sitting inside the UN, I heard him rap the many faiths/traditions of this world. I am so used to seeing Sikhism skipped and missed out on, and was expecting that this song would be no different. But to my surprise, it was mentioned and I was BEYOND happy. Like, literally to a point where I almost screamed inside the UN because I was so touched. Even afterwards, I got to briefly talk with Colby after witnessing him rap the list of

UN Delegates from around the world

human rights to people at Grand Central Station, and was even more amazed with his commitment to change the world through his music. If you haven't checked him out yet, I highly recommend you do so ASAP. You won't regret it.

At the second day of the summit, I got to share my speech in front of the United Nations. (literally, how often does one get to do that <3). With my bright yellow dress on from Shop Common Threads Denver, I was ready to take it on. In my speech, I talked about my experiences growing up as a Sikh-American in the USA. I started off my speech talking about a note I received when I was sitting in my 7th grade science class

US + Canada Ambassadors/Delegates

that told me to "go back to my country because America isn't for people like you," and how that has acted as a catalyst for me to fight against bullying and more religious tolerance in the states. I shared my story as candidly as possible, including the many struggles I have had to undergo in oder to increase awareness for my faith. It was a moment I can and never will forget.

After my interview with Jus Punjabi

These experiences showed me that although I might be young, I can be powerful enough to make strides in this world.

Of course, I can't type every single event that happened at this summit, but I can say this. I am leaving feeling empowered that I am not alone in this struggle. All over the world, youth from many countries and many walks of life are rising up, fighting against injustices, and taking a stand. And for me, that is incredibly moving. I am taking away moments like acting like a Human Rights Frat Boy with Langni Zeng (The delegate from Canada), to meeting

Outside the UN

Marisol Nichols ( who is in my favorite TV Show -Riverdale), to spending NYC nights with an incredibly group of delegates from all around the world. Delegates, Ambassadors, and Observers-- thank you for your stories and for your company. It is because of you-- and your love for the fight-- that this world can be changed for the better.
 I can't wait to continue this journey, and I can't wait to see where it leads me. I would like to thank Demme Durrett and Nina Christensen for your guidance throughout this weekend. I would also like
to thank Dr. Mary Shuttleworth at the Youth for Human Rights International for your commitment to
education and empowering the youth.

Until next time.

Recap of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama

If you would have asked me 4 years ago what was something I wanted to cross off my bucket list, I probably would have said skydiving. Never in my wildest dreams I would have imagined meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama, one of the most respected men and religious leaders in the world.

Naureen Singh and the Dalai lama
Photo Credit to Glenn Asakawa

I got this opportunity due to my involvement in CU Student Government, specifically the Cultural Events Board, which is responsible for filling cultural voids on campus. 3 years ago, rumors were circulating about a possible event in the near future with HHDL. After 3 years of conversation, and a cancelled event back in October, the event took place June 23rd, 2016 at the Coors Event Center. As someone who studied other religions all my life in order to find the peace with mine, his philosophy and values always struck a unique chord in me.

Snapchat

Leading up to the morning of the event, I was a nervous wreck. I debated with myself what to wear for about an hour, and could not control the anxiety whatsoever. After passing through background checks and security, a select few of us were making our way to a room where we were supposed to have lunch. I sat across from the Chancellor of CU, and right next to the three empty seats reserved for the Dalai Lama and his translator. During the anxious wait for him to enter the room, I probably drank 3 glasses of ice tea out of pure nervousness.

And then it happened. Everyone in the room stood up as this man dressed in orange and red made his way into the room. He went directly for the food, so obviously, all the hungry and broke college students ( such as myself) immediately followed. The Dalai Lama sat down to eat, and I was next to approach the table. As I fumbled with my plate trying to figure out what to say to him, he quickly looked at me and asked:

The Dalai Lama, his translator, and I sharing a conversation
Photo Credit: Glenn Asakawa

"You look Indian. Are you from India?"

I immediately laughed and responded that both my mom and dad were from New Dehli and Punjab. His face lit up and he reached out to hold my hand. He then proceeded to tell me how much he loved Punjab, even though it is extremely hot there.  His translator sat next to me, and asked if I spoke Punjabi/Hindi at home, to which I responded yes. We had a great conversation about my experiences living in Colorado, as a Sikh American, and someone who wants to pursue a political career. A few times during the conversation, the translator would turn to His Holiness and translate what I said. What was suppose to be a one-liner I planned out in my head, turned into an engaging dialogue with the Dalai Lama. I barely ate any of the food because of how deep the conversation became. For those who know me, I LOVE to eat so the conversation must have been really worth it.

Naureen Singh and the Dalai Lama
Photo Credit to Glenn Asakawa

He told me about his experience traveling to Punjab to give remarks in 1969 for the 500th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji ( Sikhism's founder + 1st Guru). I couldn't help but smile because as he recounted his story, he had the most honest and genuine laugh in the world. As people made their way back to the table with food, awkward silence became filled with laughter. The Dalai Lama was telling jokes about him being "naughty" and shenanigans he would do to serious ambassadors in India in order to make them laugh. He even looked at me at one point and asked if it was disrespectful, to which I laughed and said of course not. He made the conversation light, filled with love and compassion.

And then my favorite moment of the day happened. When a server handed him a bowl of papayas, before indulging in it himself, he offered it to a Muslim student next to him, and then offered one to me. It was probably one of the most heartfelt moments of my life. Here is a man, respected by so many as a world famous leader, but yet so humble and kind. The offering of fruit to me almost became a gesture of oneness. He wasn't treating himself as a dignitary, but rather as someone wanting to share his experiences and hear from us too.

The Chancellor of CU Boulder then asked me if I did research at the university, to which I responded no because I am interested in pursuing a career in law and politics, maybe working at the White House in the future. At this point, everyone at the table was listening to this conversation between the Dalai Lama, the Chancellor of CU, and myself. The Dalai Lama then looked at me and said, "You could keep this a secret, but who are you voting for in the upcoming presidential election?"

Front Row at the Dalai Lama Event

I was taken so off guard with that question, I just laughed and said "Not Trump." The Dalai Lama then proceeded to tell us a story about his encounters with all the US Presidents, but his favorite being with George Bush junior, and him offering the Dalai Lama cookies.

At this point, the one hour conversation was dwindling down. We were very lucky to get a group picture with him before his lecture. One of the greatest perks of being small is getting to stand in the front of pictures, and so as I stood next to the Dalai Lama, he did something so incredibly touching.

He reached out, and grabbed my hand and squeezed it during the course of the photos. I couldn't help but feel so honored to be in the presence of the Dalai Lama, let alone get to hold his hand.

Traditional Tibetan Scarf blessed by the Dalai Lama

I brought my mother as my guest to the event (shoutout to Mother Singh) and we got to sit in the front row (#perks). I honestly didn't have any belief the Dalai Lama would spot me in the audience, but to my surprise he did. After he pointed to me and my mother, we offered our hands in prayer, the Sikh greeting, to which he did the same in front of thousands of people. You can see it here.

What made me laugh even more was the fact that every time he mentioned India, he would always look over at my direction and smile. 

After the event concluded

Never in a million years did I ever think this would happen to me. I am by no means any big politician or have done anything near worthy to have met his Holiness. All I can say is meeting him and the conversations we shared only reaffirm why I want to pursue making this world a better place for all religious communities. I am taking away a traditional Tibetan scarf blessed by the Dalai Lama, pictures, but most importantly, a lifetime worth of memories.

God Speed.

A Reflection on Denver's First Sikh Parade

**UPDATE**: First of all, I would like to thank all the support on this blog. I know this has been receiving attention, so I would like to state for the fact that I welcome any discussion, that is the Gurmat way. I will not delete any comments.

Colorado's 1st Parade Celebration of Sikhs

On 05/22/16, history was made for the growing population of Sikhs in the state of Colorado. The first Nagar Keertan, or Sikh parade, took place at East High school in Denver. Over 1,500 people attended the event, whether it be as spectators, or parade participants. 

I remember attending my first Nagar Keertan in Toronto back in 2008, so obviously, this event became somewhat nostalgic. It was the first step for Sikhs in Colorado to spread awareness and education about Sikhism. Growing up in Colorado my whole life, I have seen the transformation of the Sikh- American community and my generation of millennials becoming more involved with the unique plight of Sikhs in a changing post- 9/11 America.  Serene Singh and I just co-founded the first Sikh Student Association in Colorado, located at CU Boulder. Sikhs within Colorado are heavily concentrated in the cities of  Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Castle Rock. Being the first Sikh parade to take place within all of Colorado, all of these communities were invited to perform sewa (commmunity service) and participate in activities. I live Colorado Springs & attend school in Boulder, so I was ecstatic to see how this event in Denver would transcend into those communities I am a part of. After helping organize both SALDEF's Langar on the Hills, an event focused on garnering the attention of public officials in DC through the concept of Langar, I was eager to bring those skills to this.  

During the day, I mainly focused my time talking to the media, non-Sikhs who attended the event, and giving a brief speech about SALDEF, an organization who has given me the tools and resources to Sikh Youth from all around the country to speak their truth.  (Here is the Denver Post article)

Pictured with SSA Youth President: Serene Singh

I absolutely adored every aspect of the day, but what I enjoyed the most was talking to the non-Sikh community who showered us with support. Speaking as someone who was bullied in school, and now advocate for change, I felt inspired that we, as Sikhs, could count on our neighbors. Seeing Americans sitting on their porches waving, cheering, sometimes even walking among us, I felt the change being made. Even changing one person's perception of my community meant one more person knowing that we exist, we are real, and that we are Americans.  

I do think it is important to critically evaluate events like this, because there is always room for improvement. Especially with a young Sikh community in America, striving for accuracy in what we project outwards should be given priority. After the event took place, I sat down and began to think of all the longing concerns I had and what they could have stemmed from. I am saying this with all the genuineness in my heart- these are just my suggestions in making this event's message clear, and not to hurt anyone, and especially not the sewa done. If there is one thing I have learned from leadership, it is about speaking with honesty and courage, despite what the consequences might be.  My faith has also taught me to speak with josh, himmat, and also in chardi kala. 

1. Platform for ALL voices: The SSA President and I were scheduled to give speeches representing

   

   SALDEF Presentation

   SSA @ CU Boulder and SALDEF, and also perform keertan. However, everything but my speech was cut the day before. To make matters more disheartening, practically 90% of the speeches/keertan programs that took place at the event were by males. The individuals that were representing Sikh Youth in Colorado, the female perspective, the minority perspective, were being cut. Maybe it is only coincidence, but mine was the only one that kept getting pushed back ( located at 18:30) and further back due to people running over-time on their speeches/keertan. Unfortunately, every time I would go sit next to the podium amongst other men waiting for my turn, I would always be the only one asked to move. I later realized all video cameras that were pointing at the podium would only show men, and no one was being asked to move otherwise. Every time a man wanted to sing or say a few words, I would always be the one having to move back and wait for them to finish. By the time I was given the chance to speak on behalf of SALDEF, I was being told aggressively I could only speak for 1 minute, and the entire time I was speaking, men were behind me tapping me on the back, indicating for me to finish. Despite having a powerpoint prepared detailing my work as a Sikh Youth, I could barely give justice to what it deserved. 

Now, I am not complaining about the time given to me. I understand large scale events often have a lot of time constraints. But what did concern me was I was the only one who was asked to keep waiting for my speech and those who were suppose to go after me, were being switched around and also weren't being rushed. I would have much preferred to be told there would be no time for me to speak, then having to constantly be told to move away from the cameras multiple times while waiting my turn.

1. Female Representation ( or lack there-of): I have always struggled with the lack of female representation in gurudwara politics, and sometimes attributed that to females just not wanting to come forward. But upon further evaluation, I noticed a couple of things. All 10 of the Panj Pyaare, were male. All volunteers wearing the volunteer badges, were male. All speakers on behalf of the gurudwara, were male. Sewadaars in the diwaan hall doing guru ka seva, all male. Granted, I am sure there were females who were in roles, but my worry is it wasn't a proportional amount to the amount of females in our community. In fact, a non-Sikh asked me why no females were wearing sashes, and I didn't have a good enough answer to give back.  On one hand, we are telling media about equality of the sexes, holding banners with quotes from SGGS about female empowerment, and yet, not making it a point to showcase females in the same way as males. If we want to practice what we preach about equality, we need to make it a point to bring women forwards, and not push them behind. Even if females are not in political positions in our gurudwaras, I do think it is the job of the sangat to make sure roles are accessible to all. Granted, women were doing sewa before the event in large ways. My hope is in the future, American spectators at the event can see this in full force the day of. Sikhism is beautiful with it's pioneering movement to equate the sexes and we should symbolically demonstrate that, as a community, in all aspects.
2. Engaging with our American neighbors: I noticed as the event went on how confused non-Sikhs were walking in. I saw them not wanting to enter the diwaan hall for fear they were not allowed, what protocol was, or looking for a place to pay for langar. I saw tables set up everywhere asking for monetary donations, but no one willing to answer questions our American community had about who we are. So I quickly took the liberty in filling that void.

   

   At the Parade

   Although it became the most fruitful part of my time at the Nagar Keertan, I do think this is an excellent platform to spread awareness and actually engage correctly  in one on one conversations with people who show a genuine interest in getting to know who we are. In the future, perhaps these keertans can distribute fliers and other materials about Sikhs while walking in the parade. I think living in America at a time when people solve their anger with guns, and politicians rhetoric is often hate-filled, education about our faith is key to making us known. 
3. Gurudwara Politics: Furthermore, rules were being passed by leaders that were meant to uplift only some. As a co-founder of SSA, that too the only SSA in Colorado, I was so excited for our organization to be recognized at the parade and bring the student voice to the table. However, at the event, we were told banners were not allowed. Now, that is a completely understandable rule to make, no denying that. But certain organizations were being promoted during the parade, while all others are "banned." Up until the day of the event, it was being promoted as a joint Sikh parade on behalf of all Sikhs in Colorado and neighboring states. However, even when police commissioners from Colorado Springs were wanting time to speak at the event, they were being told there was "no time." We were honoring candidates for public office, who have yet not made any tangible change for Sikhs in Colorado, but didn't have time to honor those on the ground making America a bit safer. Especially with how recently Oak Creek happened and all the shootings happening in our state, I do think the Police departments play a tremendous role in keeping our community safe. Now, I know this is a touchy issue, because our gurudwaras are very centered over politics. Questions like "who can make us earn the most money," and "which person can shout the loudest in a room," is often what I hear in meetings. I think we have lost sight as a community what the meaning of sangat is. Yes, maybe a sangat being given power back isn't the most structured, and maybe it isn't the most easy to handle. But I honestly believe the sangat is what makes our community unite despite internal divides. Financial status, gender identity, education status, age, caste, creed, color, whatever it might, don't belong in gurudwaras. We, as a Sikh community, should strive to be better than that, and I know we can.
   
   
   This was by no means an attack on an event, just a critical reflection on what we can do in future years. Once again, I would like to stress I do appreciate the sewa put by everyone in making this event happen. Moving forwards, I think it would be great if the Sikh community, not just limited to Colorado, can take on these points as things to improve on in future years. Our youth need to be engaged, our females need to feel empowered, and our broader American community needs to feel welcomed. Only then, can Sikhs really leave a footprint in our American history.

In Chardi kala!

These views reflect nothing but my own. 

Update ( October 13th, 2016): Wow. It has been a couple of months since I published this blog and I am still amazed with the amount of attention it has received. I must say, during the first month of this being out, I was met with intense backlash, even from uncles I have grown up with my entire life. To put in perspective to those of you who might be reading this for the first time, here are some of the comments I received ( both verbally and written)...

• "it's absurd and ridiculous to bring FEMALE ANGLE on this."
• "This girl is crazy."
• " Delete this blog. If you don't, you and your family would face severe consequences."
• " You can only have this blog up on 1 condition... Send it to me so I can edit it and approve."
• "The reason why you weren't given time to speak is because you didn't donate enough money to the event."
• "Why on earth would the Denver Post quote 3 girls?"
• "Women can NEVER become Panj Pyaare. That can just never happen."

The worst part? The list goes on.....

A couple of things I would like to say. The whole point of 'blogging' is for one to share their perspective, thoughts, and opinions. I welcome discussion, and I actually haven't deleted any comments to the blog because I think the Sikh community needs to have more open dialogue. All comments that have been deleted were as a result of the person who wrote them. My point is, I am a confident youth leader. What that means for me is I speak my mind unconditionally, and shouldn't have to send this blog to anyone for edits, or censorship.

More importantly, I was so disappointed at the amount of threats my family was receiving because of this blog. Granted, we might disagree on some of my ideas, but by no means should it open doors filled with hate and blanketed threats. The most interesting part about this whole experience was I wasn't confronted once face to face by anyone who had an issue with the blog. It would be circled around friend groups, which would then reach me.

Now I agree, I didn't donate enough money. I am a student, I don't have a job that pays enough for me to donate. But that should be okay. Never once did our Gurus discriminate someone on the basis of money, so why has the Sikh community started to today? To my knowledge, the SGGS doesn't equate money with spiritual power, so why use it as a criteria to distinguish if someone can speak at a Sikh event or not?

If me speaking my mind, encouraging other youth to do the same, and advocating for groups of marginalized Sikhs to have a bigger say in events is "crazy," then by all means deal me in.

 I think Steve Jobs put it best when he said, "Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Slowly and surely though, I started to see a shift in the conversation to one more accepting of my thoughts. Organizations that were not even Sikh based, began to share my blog on their platforms. I was so blessed to have had SALDEF, an organization I have been with for the past 3 years have my back through everything. I had uncles from the area bring me on to other projects and have my voice in decisions. ( To read about the latest project I was asked to help out with, please visit here). But most importantly, I am glad to have had youth leaders in my life constantly encourage me to not delete this blog and continue to speak my truth.

At the last event I helped put on, where I gave a speech about the Sikh turban to more than 2,000 people, I realized what my blog has led me to. It led me to opportunities I would have never received had I not written it. Many individuals who were so against me in the beginning came and apologized to me at that event for the way they behaved. I was given time to speak my truth, whereas I was pushed away at the Nagar Keertan. I'm not saying this to say I am in the right. Granted, I make mistakes. But this blog sparked something in the community, and I think it transformed people to view events like this in a different light.

The history of Sikhism, alongside Gurbani, has often given me the inner strength and power to keep moving forward. That is what I am going to try to continue even today.