NJ Sikh curriculum advocate wins Penn State Provost Award

Bathinda: Gurikpreet Singh, who played a role in the New Jersey Senate's passage of a resolution to introduce Sikhism in school curricula, has earned the prestigious Provost Award from Pennsylvania State University for outstanding academic performance.Singh received the award for his strong GPA and continued commitment to excellence. The highly competitive scholarship, worth $100,000, will be disbursed over two years beginning fall 2026, with $50,000 each year.In a citation, Associate Director Kristen Carr said the award recognises Singh's achievements in the criminal justice programme and honours students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and dedication to their educational goals.Born in 2006 in Ganda Singh Wala village in Punjab's Barnala district, Gurikpreet moved to Canada in 2014 before his family settled in Burlington, New Jersey, in 2016. He completed his schooling at Burlington Township High School in 2024. Influenced by his father Gurpreet Singh and grandfather Sant Hakam Singh, he developed a deep connection with Sikh teachings and began speaking about Sikhism at gurdwaras across the US at 16.During his final year at school, he became actively involved in civic engagement. As part of efforts linked to Resolution SR 108 on incorporating Sikhism into social studies, he addressed lawmakers at the New Jersey State House.After graduating, Singh enrolled at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, pursuing a double major in criminal justice and biology. He had earlier secured a $35,000 scholarship from his high school.He is currently interning with the Office of the Governor of New Jersey, gaining exposure to public policy and governance. Singh is also the founder of the World Sikh Alliance, a non-profit working towards religious unity, education and humanitarian causes.Speaking to TOI, Gurikpreet said, "I started my journey from a small village in Punjab, and through faith, discipline, and consistent hard work, I was able to pursue opportunities that once felt far beyond my reach. I feel education, discipline, strong values, and perseverance can transform lives. No matter where you come from, stay connected to your culture, respect your traditions, and work hard toward your goals."