Sikhs in Storytelling: A Groundbreaking Event Celebrating Sikh Voices and Impact in Media and Arts

Sikhs in Storytelling: A Groundbreaking Event Celebrating Sikh Voices and Impact in Media and Arts

SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) hosted a landmark “Sikhs in Storytelling” event, bringing together prominent Sikh creatives, journalists, and artists from across the world to celebrate their contributions and discuss the evolving landscape of representation in media. The inspiring full-day showcase featured candid conversations, powerful performances, and a strong message of community empowerment and garnered coverage in NBC Chicago, uplifting the impact to a national audience.

To experience the program, you can watch the full event on our YouTube here!

Artists & Performers:

  • Kaviraj Singh: Cellist / Musician
  • Karmick: Rock Band
  • DJ Miss Mala: DJ
  • Mona Bhalla: Renowned Global Singer
  • Krishma Arora: Poet & Author
  • Chandni Sahni: Chicago-based Painter

Panelists & Keynote Speakers:

  • Ranjeev Puri: Michigan State Representative & Democratic House Leader
  • Humble the Poet: Poet, Rapper, Author & Activist
  • Inkquisitive: Globally renowned Artist & Illustrator
  • PJ Randhawa: Investigative Reporter & Journalist, NBC Chicago
  • Jag Bains: Reality Television Personality & Winner of Big Brother Season 25
  • Jeevan Singh Neelam: Actor, CBS S.W.A.T.
  • M’Laah Kaur Singh: Actress, Marvel’s Avengers, Dhoom 3, and more
  • Harvind Kaur Singh: Producer & Journalist
  • Seerat Kaler: Community Leader (Sikh Religious Society)
  • Amrita Bamrah: Executive Director (Dasvand Network)
  • Sharan Kaur Singh: Interfaith Leader (Parliament of the World’s Religions)
  • Mohanbir S. Sawhney: Professor & Author, Northwestern University, Keynote Speaker
  • Pardeep Kaleka: Anti-hate Activist
  • Komal Kaur Chohan: Non-profit Founder (Umeed-Hope)
  • Jessica Teji: Non-profit Leader (Apna Ghar)

Following a warm welcome from Amman Seehra, SALDEF Board Chair, the program unfolded with artistic performances. Cellist Kaviraj Singh delivered a captivating performance, accompanied by artist Chandni Sahni, who brought a live painting to life, offering a dynamic snapshot of Sikh history in Chicago. 

The first panel, “Kaur Voices, Bold Choices: Chicago Women in Leadership Share Their Stories,” where Seerat Kaler, Amrita Bamrah, and Sharan Kaur Singh shared insights into their journeys as Sikh women blazing trails in their communities, nationally, and globally.

A compelling keynote address, “Standing Out, Standing Up,” by Mohanbir S. Sawhney, further energized the audience, highlighting his career

Discussions on the transformative power of narrative took center stage during the “Storytelling for Change and Advocacy” panel. Moderated by Jaslin Kaur, this segment featured activist Pardeep Kaleka, Umeed-Hope Founder Komal Kaur Chohan, Michigan Representative & Democratic House Leader Ranjeev Puri, and Apna Ghar Board Member Jessica Teji, who highlighted the critical role of storytelling in driving social change. The energy then shifted with an electrifying rock performance by Karmick Band, before transitioning into deeper conversations on media representation.

From Left to Right: Pardeep Kaleka, Komal Kaur Chohan, Ranjeev Puri, Jessica Teji, Jaslin Kaur

A highly anticipated panel, “From Stereotypes to Reality: Transforming Sikh Representation in Film and TV,” moderated by Kavneet Singh (SALDEF), delved into how Sikh identity serves as a powerful advantage in professional paths.

  • Jeevan Singh Neelam (Actor, CBS SWAT) discussed how his experiences as a visible minority from a young age fostered strong communication skills, enabling him to confidently engage with diverse audiences. He noted Hollywood’s increasing openness to new narratives as a significant opportunity for Sikhs to share their rich, untold stories, referencing his authentic portrayal in SWAT.
  • M’Laah Kaur Singh (Actress, Avengers) shared her personal journey of reconnecting with Sikhi, emphasizing its core values of service and community. She powerfully articulated the nuanced experience of identity: “Sikhism looks like a lot of different things. And we have a collectivist culture in India, but an individualistic culture in America. And so it’s the idea that growing up with both, I realized I could be an individual in a collective.” For her, pursuing a law degree will serve as “my turban,” symbolizing her commitment to helping others.
  • Harvind Kaur Singh (Emmy-nominated producer and Journalist) recounted being advised early in her career that her appearance didn’t fit television norms. Undeterred, she found her power behind the scenes, asserting that “the power that we need to have behind the camera, running the camera, and in front of the camera, I think that’s the biggest takeaway.”
  • Jag Bains (Winner, Big Brother) revealed the immense pressure he faced as the first Sikh on a 24/7 reality show. He made a conscious choice to play with loyalty, even if it meant risking the game, to uphold his community’s values. His faith, particularly the concept of Chardi Kala, served as his “superpower,” providing strength and gratitude, ultimately leading him to win a record-setting endurance challenge by focusing on the Sikh Gurus.

From Left to Right: Jag Bains, Jeevin Singh Neelam, M’Laah Kaur Singh, Harvind Kaur Singh, Kavneet Singh

The event featured a heartwarming Mother’s Day Tribute, celebrating the spirit of motherhood and the profound impact of parental support. This segment included a dynamic “Power Duo TedX” by a mother and daughter, culminating in a special announcement by DJ Miss Bhalla—she is set to be the official Disney World DJ for Diwali this October. She enthusiastically shared, “Not only been able to show that I’m a DJ, a female DJ, a Sikh DJ, but also that I’m able to let other women know that if you have a passion that you’re on the verge of pursuing, this is your sign to do it,” underscoring her mission to empower women entrepreneurs. 

The day culminated with a powerful panel, “Past the Spotlight: The Work, the Weight & the Why,” moderated by Amrita Kular (SALDEF), which delved into the realities and profound impact of storytelling, from creative processes to navigating public perception.

  • Humble the Poet (Poet/Activist/Author): offered reflections on the evolution of content creation from authentic expression to a pursuit of vanity metrics. He stressed that a creative career demands immense dedication, “You gotta work harder than a lawyer, engineer combined, as there’s no set path.” He encouraged aspiring creators to “be the change you want to see” and share what they genuinely cannot “shut up about.” On dealing with online criticism, he offered a unique perspective: “Hate comments are a sign of success because it means you’re growing outside your bubble.” He urged empathy when encountering such comments, seeing them as reflections of the commenter’s own pain.
  • Inkquisitive (Global Artist) spoke on finding the courage to center his own experiences in his art, connecting his creative work to the Sikh fight against injustice, likening his paintbrush to a warrior’s sword. He bravely discussed the emotional challenge of creating two significant pieces: “King Without a Crown,” a controversial artwork designed to spark dialogue about Sikh history, and a deeply personal piece honoring his late mother. He advised, “be unapologetically you, be courageous with your artwork, and be strong, be kind.” Regarding online opinions, he asserted, “Art is opinionated. It always will be, no matter what… I’m not here to people, please anymore.”
  • PJ Randhawa (Investigative Reporter, NBC Chicago) shared her journey to investigative journalism, driven by a Sikh-inspired desire to bring justice and humanity to those facing injustice. She highlighted her impactful investigative series on uninsured school buses in Chicago, which directly led to new legislation. PJ urged the Sikh community to actively engage with media, “We want to celebrate the successes of our community as well,” and passionately emphasized the importance of self-belief for navigating challenges: “You have to be your own biggest cheerleader… have the confidence of a mediocre white man.”

From Left to Right: Amrita Kular, PJ Randhawa, Inkquisitive, Humble the Poet

The panel concluded with a powerful call for community support for Sikh artists and storytellers. Humble the Poet delivered a heartfelt plea for fundamental support: “The support I’m asking for is don’t do that to them. Don’t tell someone to shut up because you don’t know what you’re shutting down.” He highlighted that art is an essential service and artists primarily need the space and encouragement to create and thrive.

Missed it Live? Watch a Replay of the Livestream Here!

Join us for the Second Annual Sikhs in Storytelling hosted by SALDEF!

On May 11, 2025, we’re bringing together an incredible lineup of community leaders, creatives, entertainers, and artists for a day of workshops, panels, performances, and fireside chats — all designed to amplify Sikh voices and elevate the narratives of our community.

This year’s event will highlight the powerful stories of Sikh Americans from the Midwest, and feature the talented individuals and groups shaping the future of our community’s representation through art, entertainment, and culture.

To learn more, please visit www.saldef.org/sikhsinstorytelling.

‘Bringing all communities together’

Read the full Article on Central Jersey

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Even in difficult times of division on the world stage, the Arts Council of Princeton and Muslim Center of Greater Princeton – through art – have found a way to bring local people of different faiths together to talk about spirituality and what each share.

This local event called the “Art of Contemplating Spirituality and Art” is part of the Arts Council of Princeton’s “ART OF” series.

“With everything going on in the world and seeing how divided our world was becoming, I wanted to host an event that would bring all of the communities together especially the Muslim and Jewish communities,” said Samira Ghani, chair of the event and a board trustee of the Arts Council of Princeton.

The event took place inside the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton in West Windsor on March 3 and was designed for faith leaders to speak about spirituality and how art resonates with their faith.

“My passion is interfaith and when I’m able to unite us through faith and art, it’s a labor of love for me,” Ghani said. “Seeing all the faiths come together and talk about spirituality, art and love, it truly makes me feel like all the hard work that comes with putting on an event is worth its weight in gold.”

Featuring faith leaders and people from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Buddhist faiths, people in attendance broke bread, listened and had conversations through the Art of Contemplating Spirituality and Art as various works of art were displayed throughout a large multi-purpose room at the mosque.

Faith leaders included Rev. Jan Willem van der Weff from Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church in Princeton Junction, Father Peter Baktis from Mother of God Orthodox Church in Princeton, Amman Seehra, vice chair of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Beverly Sanford from Princeton Buddhist Meditation Group, Rabbi Andrea Merow from the Jewish Center in Princeton and Imam Safwan of the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton. They each shared art that resonates with their faith, spoke about spirituality and connecting with others.

Seehra shared an art piece, “King without a Crown” by Amandeep Singh, who is also known as Inkquisitive Art. He explained through the artwork’s elements how it describes the Sikh faith and the direction of how people should lead their lives.

“The title of this is a ‘King without a Crown.’ The artist wanted to make a distinction between a crown that is man made and given to people and the turban which is a responsibility you take on,” Seehra said. “It is your responsibility to treat yourself and others with respect, but also help those in need.”

He described the three components of what the turban stands for. There was a time when turbans were only worn by royalty and there was the thought that everybody should be treated as royalty, and everybody is deserving of that type of respect, Seehra explained.

“It was essentially for everybody,” he said. “The second meaning is the process of tying [the turban] which should be something you are doing every day and is a constant reminder to do what is good, what is right, and to help others for yourself.”

And third, the turban symbolizes someone being approachable.

“If you see someone with a turban that means you can go to them if you are in need and need help,” he said. “It is a symbol for others to see you are supposed to stick out in a crowd, you are supposed to be there to help others.”

Sanford shared what faith means to the Buddhist community and how Buddhist implement this in their everyday lives. She described and explained the art of Rene Magritte in “The Key of the Fields” (La Clef des champs), which is a landscape framed by a window that has been broken.

“We live in a world that is very complicated and full of uncertainty, it always has been and always will be,” she said. “It is very [easy to] hide behind our stories and painted windows and not see the world around us which is so much bigger than we are.”

Sanford expressed that if there is any faith common to all of the Buddhist community, it is the “faith or the confidence that we can wake up and that we can break through, that we can see what our minds are doing. That we can open our hearts wider.

“…When we do …what comes through a broken window, fresh air … Something new and different, something magical even,” she added, noting “life is indeed extraordinary, precious and rare.”

Sanford said that in her Buddhist tradition they believe “we can open our hearts and minds in this messy, sorrowful, glorious, amazing world and find the fresh air in any moment.”

Merow, a rabbi from Jewish Center of Princeton, said it was a wonderful process for her to think about art and her spirituality.

“The word spirituality has varied connotations among all our different religions. I define spirituality as an attempt by each of us to encounter the holy one through our actions,” she said.

“The art I want to share with you references and elevates one religious practice, the idea of a Sabbath, a day of rest. For me this painting illustrates spiritual values I want to practice, and my community wants.”

Merow displayed a painting from a series called Hebrew letters by artist Debra Kapnek.

“For me this piece showcases values of universalism, what we share and particularism, our own story,” she said. “Concepts that touch each of us in this room.

“We share the Earth and care for it. We are connected to each other. Each of our religious communities has its own foundational stories. May each of our souls here find the Sabbaths that we need to bring true creativity to this world.”

The Muslim Center of Greater Princeton’s Imam Safwan expressed that “what gives light is the presence of truth inside of it.”

“We live when we make meaning and art brings us closer to those essential meanings and truths,” Safwan said. “That beauty, that love, so what I have chosen for my art is mamluk architecture. Mamluk society was part of the great Ottoman movement within what we could call the golden society of Islam.”

He explained how mamluk architecture created spaces with beauty in every point and function. The art of the building preserves its legacy and function.

“People behold these spaces for us to just ponder on its beauty and beauty of its people,” Safwan said. “Ultimately, the message I wish to close with is that buildings are generally not preserved for function. What makes something a legacy is the meaning that sustains it, not its function.

“The meaning will pay off generationally in the preservation of beauty.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 25, 2024

Contact: Amrita Kular | SALDEF Director of Communications, (202) 393-2700, media@saldef.org

SALDEF PRESENTS “Sikhs in Storytelling” for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in NYC

In a first of its kind event, Sikhs in Storytelling will gather world-renowned creatives to reignite the Sikh tradition of storytelling and reimagine mainstream narratives. 

New York, NY – This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) is proud to present Sikhs in Storytelling, a captivating event that shatters stereotypes and celebrates the vibrant narratives of Sikh Americans.

This unforgettable evening, taking place on May 11 at 3 PM at Five Angels Theatre in New York City, will bring together a powerhouse lineup of CNN journalists, reporters, filmmakers, and social media influencers who are shaping the media landscape.

A Platform for Amplifying Sikh Voices

“Sikhs in Storytelling” offers a unique platform to showcase the diverse and impactful contributions of Sikhs in the media industry. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the journeys of these prominent figures, their creative processes, and how they are breaking barriers and fostering greater understanding of the Sikh community.

The event will also feature cultural performances, a networking session and notable speakers such as: 

  • Brahmjot Kaur, Entertainment Reporter NBC News and E! News Online 
  • Nardeep Khurmi, Award-Winning Actor, Writer, Director of the Film ‘Land of Gold’ on HBO Max
  • Harmeet Kaur, CNN Culture Writer
  • Nav the Poet, Spoken Word Poet, Videographer, Content Creator
  • Vish Singh, Award-Winning Animator, Filmmaker, Cartoonist

WHO: SALDEF and World Renowned Sikh Creatives

WHAT: Sikh storytellers and creatives come together in a first of its kind community event to reimagine mainstream narratives surrounding Sikh Amerians. For more information, please visit www.saldef.org/sikhsinstorytelling

WHEN: May 11, 2024 3PM-8PM 

WHERE: Five Angels Theater 789, 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

About SALDEF:

SALDEF (The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) is the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization. Based in Washington D.C., SALDEF works to build Sikh American capacity through education, fostering community, and civic engagement. By engaging with federal and state leaders, publishing critical policy reports, placing Sikh Americans in government and advocacy internships across the nation, and more, SALDEF is paving a brighter path for future generations.

Sikhs in Storytelling

Join SALDEF for Sikhs in Storytelling – a night full of engaging discussions, thoughtful panels, and captivating performances all challenging the one-dimensional Sikh American narratives in the mainstream media.

To Purchase Tickets, Please Click Here