Guidelines for Contestants and Judges
Age Group: V (18 to 23 years)
Time allotted: 8 minutes
Topic:
WHO IS A SIKH AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A SIKH
Resource Book:
SIKHS AND SIKHISM: A View With A Bias, 1998
By I.J. Singh
Published by: The Centennial Foundation, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
The following essays from the book form the basis for discussion:
1. On Being and Becoming A Sikh
3. The Man for All Seasons
4. The Roots of Sikhism
6. The Symbols of a Heritage.
7. What is a Head Worth?
The external symbols of Sikhs - essentially their articles of faith - often attract the most attention, even controversy. In your presentation focus on the historical development of Sikhism and how these five articles of faith have come to define our lives. What do they mean to you, how do they flow from the history and tradition of our religion. Consider their relevance and meaning through history. How do you envision them as being an integral part of your lives?
Keep your presentation rooted in the development of Sikhism and focus on both Sikh history and Sikh theology. Examine and comment on Sikh teaching and Sikh practice as you see them through the lens of history. Explore the cultural context and examine the present Sikh society as well. Take into account the fact that we are living far from the nurturing milieu of Punjab. Look to the future - a Sikh society flourishing in North America fifty or hundred years hence.
The resource material is for your guidance only, to provide you with a starting point. You need not limit yourself to it or agree with it. You are encouraged to venture outside this reference material, even outside Sikh sources, and delve into literature, history, religion and philosophy. Be critical in your evaluation of existing sources, and attempt to develop a coherent view of your perspective.
You will be judged by how soundly and fully you develop your argument, and how persuasively you present it.
The topic is based on the kind of questions young Sikhs and non-Sikhs often have, even if they don't always ask them.
Following are reasonably detailed guidelines. You will notice that the guidelines are different at the local and regional levels from the format at the Final level. The format at the Final level is specifically designed to foster discussion and critical thinking. The local and regional competitions can be held as at present, with an oral presentation made within the time allotted.
There are three aspects to a presentation that need to be considered:
I. Content 65 points
Consider in this area the development of the argument presented. You do not
have to agree with the speaker; in fact, the viewpoint presented may be unusual,
different or even unpopular. What matters is the logic, its development and
its strength.
II. Presentation 35 points
Included in this area are items like style, delivery, poise, eye contact, voice,
diction, language and effectiveness.
III. Punjabi Presentation
The use of Punjabi needs to be encouraged. Participants who use Punjabi will also be judged according to the same criteria and format as the others; however, each Punjabi-speaking participant will also receive a certificate and a cash award recognizing this 'special achievement'.
What follow next are guidelines that are specific for the national competition.
1. Oral presentations in the time allotted are to be made on the topic at the LOCAL (If there are three or more participants) and REGIONAL levels only. These presentations will be judged as in the past and rewarded accordingly.
2. Keeping in mind that the purpose of this competition is to encourage an open discussion on areas that will define our community and its future in the Diaspora. Discussion and debate will also promote the habits and methods of critical thinking while imparting useful life-skills. Therefore the following format which is different from the previous levels is suggested for the FINAL competition:
A. Hold the presentations for the senior age group in a setting like a hotel convention room or a college auditorium, although there is no reason why this could not also be done in a gurdwara.
B. Arrange the participants in a circle. The audience can sit in a wider circle behind and around the participants. Appoint a moderator - preferably a young person - whose job would be to stimulate discussion, in case it is flagging and to keep it focussed.
C. Let each participant make a two-minute opening statement. The order of the participants is to be chosen at random.
D. Following the opening statements let there be an open discussion restricted to the 5 or 6 participants. The moderator is to ensure that no one participant gets to hog the show and the discussion stays on track. Let the discussion continue for about 40 to 45 minutes.
E. Following the discussion, again, each participant will be allowed a two-minute closing statement. The order of presentations is chosen at random.
The competitive part of the program will conclude here and judges will complete their evaluation at this point. What follows is equally useful but not part of the competition.
F. The program thus far should have taken us about one hour. Following this will be an open discussion (20 to 30 minutes) on the subject but it will also allow the audience to participate. This will keep the audience interested and awake. The adults will learn, as will the young people.
The moderator will carry a critical burden on his/her shoulders.
Book:
SIKHISM: A Universal Message
By Gurbaksh Singh
Second Edition, 1991
Sikh Youth Federation, Toledo, Ohio
I. Contents (65 points):
i) Does Sikhism show any features that are new, novel or unique? Briefly present a few significant ones.
ii) The concepts of Sangat, Pangat, Guru Granth and Khalsa Panth are considered to be milestones in the development of Sikhism. Briefly discuss the significance of each.
iii) The Guru Granth is often spoken of as a universal spiritual message for all mankind. Briefly discuss what this means to you.
II Presentation (35 points):
Included in this area are items like style, delivery, poise, eye contact, voice, diction, language and effectiveness.
III Punjabi Presentation:
The use of Punjabi needs to be encouraged. Participants who use Punjabi will
be judged according to the above format; however, each Punjabi-speaking participant
will also receive a certificate and a cash award recognizing this 'special achievement'.
Book:
BIJAI SINGH
By Bhai Vir Singh; Translated by Devinder Singh Duggal
Second Edition, 1988
Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, New Delhi
I. Contents (65 points):
The questions are interrelated. Treat them as such.
i) Imagine the time in which the story of Bijai Singh unfolds and provide a very brief summary of the historical backdrop to the trials and tribulations faced by Bijai Singh, his wife Sheel Kaur, their young son, as also their relatives.
ii) It seems that many members of his family tried very hard for Bijai Singh to give up the Sikh way of life. How did Bijai Singh and Sheel Kaur deal with the conflict within his family?
iii) Their son, at his young age, must have been afraid. What was the role of his parents in shaping his attitudes?
iv) The book is set in a different time in history. It is now a different world and in this society you have freedom to live as a Sikh. But can you find any areas in your life where Bijai Singh, his wife and young son might provide meaning and inspiration.
II Presentation (35 points):
Included in this area are items like style, delivery, poise, eye contact, voice, diction, language and effectiveness.
III Punjabi Presentation:
The use of Punjabi needs to be encouraged. Participants who use Punjabi will
be judged according to the above format; however, each Punjabi-speaking participant
will also receive a certificate and a cash award recognizing this 'special achievement'.
Book:
BEDTIME STORIES, Volume 3: Guru Arjan Dev Ji
By Santokh Singh Jagdev
Third Edition, 2000
Sikh Missionary resource Centre
Birmingham, UK
I. Contents (65 points):
i) How is Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple) different from many other churches, temples, mosques etc?
ii) Why did Guru Arjan Dev Jee ask a Muslim Sufi, Mian Mir, to lay the foundation stone of The Golden Temple?
iii) What do you think are the two most important contributions of Guru Arjan Dev Jee to Sikhism and why?
iv) Briefly describe the circumstances in which Guru Arjan Dev Jee was martyred.
II Presentation (35 points):
Included in this area are items like style, delivery, poise, eye contact, voice, diction, language and effectiveness.
III Punjabi Presentation:
The use of Punjabi needs to be encouraged. Participants who use Punjabi will
be judged according to the above format; however, each Punjabi-speaking participant
will also receive a certificate and a cash award recognizing this 'special achievement'.
Book:
THE ESSENCE OF SIKHISM: The Lives and Teachings of the Sikh Gurus
By T.K. Anand
1997 Edition
Vikas Publishing House, New Delhi 110 014
I. Contents (65 points):
i) How did Guru Amar Das Jee decide that Ram Das deserved to become Guru after himself? Identify one major contribution of Guru Ram Dass Jee.
ii) What do you think is the most important & significant contribution of Guru Arjan Dev Jee to Sikhism and why?
iii) Identify & briefly describe one major contribution of Guru Hragobind Sahib Jee
II Presentation (35 points):
Included in this area are items like style, delivery, poise, eye contact, voice, diction, language and effectiveness.
III Punjabi Presentation:
The use of Punjabi needs to be encouraged. Participants who use Punjabi will be judged according to the above format; however, each Punjabi-speaking participant will also receive a certificate and a cash award recognizing this 'special achievement'.
IJS, January 7, 2001
2001 Sikh Youth Symposium