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!

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES— MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact: Amrita Kular, Director of Communications, amrita.kular@saldef.org

Groundbreaking “Sikhs in Storytelling” Event in Chicago: A Celebration of Sikh Voices in Arts, Media, and Public Life

WASHINGTON D.C. — May 11, 2025 – SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) is proud to present Sikhs in Storytelling, a groundbreaking celebration of Sikh American voices through art, film, media, and live performance. Taking place at the Copernicus Center in Chicago, the event brings together renowned artists, public figures, and creators to explore the power of storytelling in advancing Sikh American narratives.

The event includes panel discussions, performances, art exhibits, and live storytelling that reflect the depth and breadth of Sikh American experiences. From Emmy-nominated filmmakers to global artists, the program will showcase a diverse lineup of talent, including: 

  • Humble the Poet – Bestselling author, spoken word artist, cultural influencer, with over 540k followers on Instagram.
  • Inkquisitive (Amandeep Singh) – Global visual artist known for vibrant, thought-provoking work with over 290k followers on Instagram
  • Jag Bains – Winner of T.V. show Big Brother Season 25
  • Jeevin Singh Neelam – Actor, CBS S.W.A.T., supported by SALDEF
  • M’Laah Kaur Singh – Actress, Marvel’s Avengers. Dhoom 3, and more
  • Harvind Kaur Singh – Emmy-nominated journalist and producer
  • PJ Randhawa – NBC Investigative Reporter
  • Ranjeev Puri – House Democratic Leader, Michigan Legislature, and currently the highest-ranking Sikh elected official in America.
  • Other notable local and internationally renowned speakers 

WHAT:

Sikhs in Storytelling is a first-of-its-kind immersive experience celebrating Sikh identity and representation across creative industries. Programming includes:

  • Art gallery and panel with local and global Sikh artists
  • Film & TV representation panel with actors from CBS S.W.A.T., Big Brother, and Avengers, and more
  • Storytelling & advocacy discussions featuring activists and elected officials
  • Live Performances including a rock band set, a DJ set, and poetry readings
  • Mother’s Day Tribute with live music, art, and poetry
  • Networking & community building opportunities throughout the day

WHEN:

Sunday, May 11, 2025
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST

WHERE:

The Copernicus Center
5216 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

WHY:

Sikh Americans remain deeply underrepresented in mainstream arts, media, and policy. This event is part of SALDEF’s ongoing mission to change that through narrative power and community investment. Sikhs in Storytelling is a space for reimagining and uplifting what Sikh representation looks like across sectors—and who gets to tell our stories.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Interviews with featured speakers and artists
  • Behind-the-scenes access and photo/video opportunities
  • Expert commentary on narrative change, identity, and visibility in media
  • High-quality visuals of art exhibits, panelists, and performances

RSVP & PRESS CREDENTIALS:

Members of the media are encouraged to RSVP in advance for press access. To secure credentials or schedule interviews, please contact media@saldef.org

For more information about Sikhs in Storytelling, visit https://SikhsinStorytelling.eventbrite.com

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.

Sikhs in Storytelling- A One of a Kind Event

Read the full article on AsAm News by Shree Baphna

The Sikh community has long been known for its distinct practices, rich culture and history of resilience. However, as with any minority community in the United States, stereotypes and ignorance tend to cast a shadow over what being Sikh in America truly means. 

On Saturday, May 11th, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) organized a community event called Sikhs in Storytelling which took place at the Five Angels Theatre in New York City. A first-of-its-kind event, Sikhs in Storytelling sought to highlight the accomplishments and stories of Sikh American community members who have made leaps and bounds in the activism, arts, and entertainment sectors.

Attendees included Nav the Poet, videographer and content creator; Nardeep Khurmi, actor, writer, and director best known for his film Land of Gold; Ravjot Mehek Singh, filmmaker and art activist; and Anoopreet Kaur Rehncy, storyteller and creative director- amongst many other notable participants. 

“People always think that we, as Sikh Americans, will abide by the trope that we can only be doctors, lawyers, or engineers. No- we are so much more than that. We come from a culture and religion that is so rich in the arts. These are people who exemplify that heritage…” stated Amrita Kular, Communications Director for SALDEF. 

The storytelling event began with a religious hymn invoking the blessings of the Sikh Gurus and then proceeded to move into panel events with enriching discussions. Simultaneously, artists, vendors, and members of the community mingled outside of the theater. Much of the art on display focused on bringing awareness to the essence of being Sikh and to the duality of being Sikh American. Other pieces depicted the history of the Sikh community and the horrors of the 1984 genocide perpetrated against the Sikh community in India. 

“I went viral because I started making accessible content explaining Sikhi and Sikhi customs and symbols,” said Nav the Poet. “People really don’t know the basics about Sikhism- what wearing a pag [turban] means, how it is different and distinct from Hinduism, and so on.” 

Other topics of discussion included the plight of Sikh Americans in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 and how many still bear the brunt of the fallout today. 

“I think having an event like this is imperative…until we are depicted as real human beings who are nuanced and have depth, we only ever will be tokenized characters. I grew up in a post-9/11 America when I was the only brown person in my small town,” stated panelist Ravjot Mehek Singh. 

This was the impetus for her to include Sikhi in her storytelling, Ravjot shared. It was disappointing to see that the only depiction of her people when she was growing up was of men who resembled her dad, with a turban and a beard, who were only ever depicted as savages. Ravjot knew she had to take action and change the way the media and the world saw her community.

Similarly, Vishvajit Singh, animator, filmmaker and cartoonist, recounted his own trying experience after 9/11. He was working in tech at the time and vividly recalled the sheer “heat” he felt being radiated at him from fellow Americans. He decided to work from home for two weeks and when he eventually did step out of his house, Vishvajit recalled how people would flip him off or call him names. It was this experience that informed his career decision to pivot from the engineering and tech world to a more creative media-focused career.

“My goal is not to just inform people about us but to normalize our people doing things that others would not imagine a Sikh person in a turban doing,” Vishvajit Singh said. 

Exclusively covering the event was the Boston-based online TV channel Nishkam TV. Also a first of its kind, Nishkam TV is run by students from the Sikh community. It seeks to impart a range of skills to young adults such as script writing, production design, the importance of a social media presence, website management/development, and so on. Above all, it seeks to teach Sikh youth the importance of well-rounded media content told through a Sikhi lens. 

Nishkam initially started out in 2016 as an annual film camp. Every year participating students would create short documentaries or films about the different teachings of Sikhism. Nishkam TV was officially launched in 2019, with the main goal of sharing information about different cultures so as to inspire interfaith dialogue.

“It teaches us that we need to take our narrative into our own hands,” a student member of the production team shared. To them, Nishkam TV was a powerful tool and opportunity to insert the Sikh community into mainstream media without giving into the same stereotype over and over. It was an opportunity to inspire a new generation of leading Sikh actors and Sikh directors. 

When asked why Nishkam TV focused on students, the volunteers provided a message of hope to future generations to come. 

For student team member Tanisha, the importance of informing and educating the future generation is paramount. Seeing as they will be the ones who will eventually take on leadership positions, it is up to them to improve upon what previous generations have done. The idea of Nishkam TV is to start engaging with younger generations earlier on so that they figure out a lot faster what they want to change and how. The youth are not only educated enough to know what is going on in the world but are also equipped to reach out to those younger than them. This is something older generations cannot do as well. By involving young adults as autonomous people and agents of change, there is surely hope that we are one step closer to shaping a more just and inclusive future.

To learn more about the panelists at Sikhs in Storytelling, please click here.

Click here to learn more about the critically acclaimed documentaries produced by Nishkam TV.

Sikhs in Storytelling – A Smash Hit!

Our Sikhs in Storytelling event in New York City was an unforgettable evening with over 100 attendees in person and a whopping 500+ tuning in on the livestream!

The impact of your support was evident in the energy and enthusiasm that filled the room. Stories were shared, connections were made, and a powerful message of resilience and pride was amplified.

The evening unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of Sikh American experiences. A captivating panel discussion titled Storytelling for a New Era, delved into the heart of Sikh identity in the modern world.

Esteemed panelists Nardeep Khurmi, Nav the Poet, Ravjot Mehek Singh, Vishavjit Singh, and Anoopreet Kaur Rehncy shared their personal journeys and powerful voices, sparking thought-provoking discussions on representation, overcoming media stereotypes, and the vital role of storytelling in shaping a more inclusive future.

Next, the event took a powerful turn with From Margins to Mainstage: Sikh Women Reimagine Their Power, an interactive session that had the audience buzzing.

The brilliant writers behind the book Kaurs Reimagine: Meeta Kaur, Sonia Kaur, and Saranjit Banga took center stage, led by the ever-inspiring SALDEF Board Member, Juspreet Kaur.

Together, they wove a tapestry of captivating stories featuring Sikh women who shattered expectations and carved their own paths to strength and leadership. It was a session that left everyone feeling empowered and ready to embrace their own unique experiences.

Shattering the Glass Ceiling in Media and Journalism, brought together this a powerhouse group of women: Brahmjot Kaur, Harmeet Kaur, Asees K. Singh, and Sona Simran Kaur.

Their stories weren’t just about navigating a competitive field, they offered a refreshing perspective on how to tell Sikh stories in the media.

From personal anecdotes to practical advice on news cycles, this panel was a breath of fresh air, leaving the audience eager to see more diverse voices shaping the media landscape.

Weaving a fascinating thread through our Storytelling for Change panel was the unlikely historical figure, Bhagat Singh Thind.

Panelists Nardeep Khurmi, Anoopreet Kaur Rehncy, Harjus Singh, Vishavjit Singh, and Joy Kanwar, despite their diverse backgrounds and experiences, all connected to Thind’s legacy of resilience and fighting for justice.

This panel also sparked a powerful conversation about how storytelling can empower our community to advocate for a more just and equitable world, leaving a lasting impression on our engaged audience members.

Beyond Words: Performances that Stirred the Soul

From captivating musical performances to a thought-provoking spoken word session, the evening pulsed with the vibrant energy of Sikh American creativity.

Manav Singh, Unnat Singh & Dashmesh Singh’s captivating rendition of Raag Gond (the 17th Raag in the sacred Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) set the perfect tone for an evening filled with unforgettable stories and vibrant culture.

Gurpreet Sarin‘s stirring vocals captivated the audience, while Nav the Poet‘s spoken word piece delivered a powerful message that resonated deeply with the attendees.

These diverse performances showcased the rich tapestry of Sikh American artistry and left a lasting impression on all who witnessed them.

Your continued support makes events like this possible.

The success of “Sikhs in Storytelling” wouldn’t have been possible without your support, and the support of our sponsors, The Asian American Foundation and Comcast.

Your contribution allows us to continue amplifying Sikh American voices and challenging the one-dimensional narratives prevalent in society.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Sikh American community.

Sikhs in Storytelling Captures Hearts in NYC!

Engaged Audience Members
Kaurs Reimagine Team
Storytelling for Change Panel

SALDEF’s groundbreaking Sikhs in Storytelling event in NYC was a resounding success! Over 100 attendees packed the Five Angels Theater for a night filled with captivating performances and insightful panels.

Sikh American creatives and local community members (the sangat) came together to share powerful stories and ignite a movement of cultural understanding. This event was a pivotal step in redefining the narrative of Sikh Americans through the power of storytelling.

Thank you to all who made this event a success!

Missed the event? Don’t worry! You can still experience the magic virtually! View the entire event via the recorded livestream below for FREE!

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