Taking Steps Towards a Healthier Sikh Lifestyle

Sat Sri Akal,

My name is Ashveer Pal Singh and I am entering my third year as an undergraduate in the department of anthropology at the University of California Berkeley. My work as an undergraduate has centered around questions of the Punjabi Sikh diaspora transnationally, as well as forms of identification, ethnic identity, representation, human rights, violence, and synthetic biology (if this at all interests you, email me ‘cuz I get lonely sometimes )

This year was my third year attending Jakara, as well as my third year being involved with the organization. Every time I think of my involvement in this organization, I am thankful that I have found it (though in many ways I feel as if it has found me). I have not only found a group of Sikh youth who share my commitment to our global sangat, but I have become part of the Jakara family. Whether its battling sex-selective abortion, caste discrimination, or the disconnect between most youth and their gurdwaras, Jakara remains strong in its resolve without being overbearing or self-righteous, a quality that is seldom seen in most Sikh-based organizations.

Following the conference and several (suffocatingly long) conversations with my only friends (Jasjit and Amarpal) I find myself trying to do my best to go green. I have little self-restraint and even less self-discipline, but we will see how things go. Thus far I am planning on:

-Driving less

-Going to the gym 5 times a week

-Eating healthier (i.e. no more late night Taco Bell after studying, sorry Jaspreet!)

-Drinking less soda

-Taking shorter showers

-Joining other local youth to stop the use of paper plates and plastic utensils in my local gurudwara

I hope to slowly but surely implement these changes in my life (and maintain them) and hopefully lead a healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

If not, I’ll just give up on Berkeley and go to USC, drive a Hummer, and eat at Roscoe’s all day.