Los Angeles: A two day world Sikh Youth convention was held here on 22nd and 23rd December, 1984. Over 250 delegates attended from various countries mainly from United States, Canada and U.K. After exhaustive and rigorous exercise In well programmed workshops on December 22, eight resolutions were prepared for presentation to the general council meeting scheduled for the next day. The convention was organized to bring various youth organizations together in order to have a coordinated effort for the tasks ahead. On 23rd December the convention was addressed by leaders of the World Sikh Organization Gen. J. S. Bhullar, Secretary General S. Didar Singh Bains, Chairman; S. Ganga Singh Dhillon, Chairman Political Affairs Committee and host of youth representatives. The leaders exhorted the youth to prepare themselves to the task of assuming leadership of the nation as the older generation has to, sooner or later, make way for them. Older generation, they said, has a number of shortcomings which need to be overcome. Youth representatives on the other hand pleaded for unity in all ranks and wanted the leaders to resolve all internal contradictions and put Panth above their persons.

Eight resolutions prepared by the workshops were passed with a voice vote. The resolutions outlined the scope and functioning of the youth wings and provided definite direction.

It was decided that all youth wings will have autonomous structures but will form part of the World Sikh Organization.

Youth wings will carry out the WSO programs. Through a resolution the youth reiterated their commitment to Khalistan and decided to coordinate its program with the WSO. Youth will also organize Gurmat Parchar Camps with the help of WSO. The task of developing effective media and communications through films, video and pamphlets would be taken up on more scientific and methodical lines. Each chapter will be financially independent and develop its financial relationship with the WSO as per the number of its members. It was also decided to organize help for the victims of police and army. Through another resolution army attack on the Golden Temple and mass massacre of Sikhs all over India in November, 1984 were condemned. The youth convention addressed an appeal to the

Free World requesting help for the restoration of Human rights, Civil liberties, freedom of press and removal of martial law.

 Various youth wings were led by the following: Inderjit Singh Bal (Toronto); Balbir Singh Brar (Montreal); Sukhdev Singh Sandhu and Kuldip Singh (Vancouver); RAVINDER SHERGILL (BAY AREA); MANJIT SINGH and RAJINDER SINGH (CHICAGO); GURPARTP SINGH (New York); BAKSHISH SINGH (Sacramento); and G.S. SAINI (Delano).

The convention recorded its deep appreciation of the managing committee of GURUDWARA Hollywood, particularly its President S. DARSHAN SINGH BHASIN for their valuable cooperation. The extensive job of managing and organizing the convention was undertaken by a seven member committee comprising BALDEV SINGH JOHAL, GURDEV SINGH SANDHU, BIBI UPDESH KAUR, MALKIAT SINGH SIDHU, GURDIAL SINGH  RANDHAWA, MANJEET SINGH DHILLON and SUKHMINDER SINGH.

Article extracted from this publication >> JANUARY 4, 1985