“You are a fool!” I heard “you do not know what you are doing.” and so on went the comments of the majority of the community at my idea of going to Washington DC to work in the political establishment for a short while. I am not unfamiliar with those comments coming from our Sikh community or from my parents about the value of adventure and leaving the home to do a so unconventional an idea But let me tell you why I feel I should be involved. Task you have we become so selfish that we cannot give a little for all the benefits we get here in this country? Is our patriotism dead? The position holds little glamor if any and by most conventional wisdom it is a volunteer position that involves long hours of work trying to develop and forge a network amongst a group of young people with different goals aspirations and agendas for their future. Yet in their eyes I see a glimmer of the spirit I do not wish to loose. The values of freedom service and betterment of man still mean something to them.
You see I do not value items the conventional way. I believe that to be challenged is more of a virtue than to be safe. Experience will enrich you further than the counting of money and most of all it prepares you to understand and accept people as they are and makes a better human of you. Instead of pontificating about the actions of others try to accept them and work with their differences to build a better community. Is that not a definition of a true Sikh?
To all those naysayers who warned me of the hazards of my new endeavor I thank you for without you. I would not have developed the caution to tread with care in new environments. To those people who: accepted my belief that I must do more I thank you for you belief in me. It has strengthened me and given me confidence and hope. Finally there are my parents I thank them the most. My mother taught me the value of involvement. It is easy to sit in a chair and complain of the state of any activity or inactivity but harder to venture into the dark void. I do see that for all my involvement there may be little to show other than a tired soul” and a weary body. I do wish for my bed at home late into” the night when I sleep here at the office. I thank my father for teaching me conviction. He has in his manner taught me to believe and has given me the strength to stand for my beliefs.
I have a responsibility to those who were my role models while I grew up. I have an even greater responsibility to the younger generation to try to make a difference so the future is better for them.
I know every little bit helps. So go out there make yourself heard in any way possible. Give some of your time to any organization you feel will make a difference and rest assured that the young people will not be let down for we believe!
P.S. Vote it makes a difference!
Supreet Singh Washington D.C.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 30, 1992
