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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 13, 2026 | The Indian Eye 32

Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago Celebrates

Sikh Empire Legacy Through Youth Art

Punjab 1799–1849 Comes Alive in a Vibrant Community Gathering in the Chicago Suburbs

OUR BUREAU historical imagery but a deep emo-
tional connection, reminding attend-
Chicago, IL
ees that history is not distant—it lives
n a crisp Sunday morning, through memory, art, and storytelling.
January 18, 2026, the Nation- PCS leaders welcomed families
Oal India Hub in Schaumburg and guests, underscoring the orga- worker and the first Latina to hold Sohi. High School: Avni Kaur earned
transformed into a living gallery of nization’s mission to preserve Pun- her seat, Senator Villa spoke about first place, with Keeret Gill and Saihaj
history, creativity, and cultural pride jabi language, heritage, and values. children as the foundation of the fu- Sidhu taking second and third.
as the Punjabi Cultural Society (PCS) President Bikram Singh Sohi, Vice ture and emphasized resilience, unity, PCS also recognized winners
of Chicago hosted its second annual President Gurlal Singh Bhattal, and and civic engagement. Drawing paral- from last year’s declamation contest,
Youth Art and Drawing Competition. Executive Secretary Gurpreet Singh lels between immigrant journeys and reinforcing continuity in youth en-
More than 30 young artists from el- Sidhu were joined by event organizer the perseverance of the Sikh Empire, gagement. The atmosphere was cele-
ementary, middle, and high school Paramvir Kaur, whose coordination she encouraged the youth to believe bratory—children beamed with pride,
levels participated, bringing to life ensured a smooth and engaging expe- in their potential and reject imposed families posed for photos, and judg-
the theme “Punjab in the Era 1799– rience. As children worked quietly on limits. Her message resonated strong- es and organizers shared in the joy.
1849,” which spotlighted the golden templates or freehand drawings, par- ly amid current national challenges. Looking ahead, PCS announced
age of the Sikh Empire under Maha- ents looked on with pride. Judging was conducted by a panel its flagship cultural event, Rangla Pun-
raja Ranjit Singh. A defining moment of the pro- of respected community professionals: jab, scheduled for April 25, 2026, at
The event was more than a com- gram came with remarks by Dr. Pri- Karan Sohi, data scientist at Anthem; the Copernicus Center. Now celebrat-
petition—it became a bridge between mal Kaur, Chairwoman of PCS for Manpriya Kaur, an educator with 18 ing over three decades of service, PCS
generations, connecting diaspora 2026 and a senior biotech executive years in Chicago Public Schools; and continues to foster Punjabi arts, lan-
youth to a defining chapter of Punjabi at AbbVie. Addressing the children Manpreet Singh, artist and creator of guage, sports, and civic participation
history. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known directly, she asked, “When I say Pun- LittleSikhs.com. Entries were evalu- through year-round programming.
as the “Lion of Punjab,” unified the jab, what does it mean to you?” Re- ated for creativity, historical accuracy, “This competition went beyond
region after capturing Lahore in 1799 sponses ranged from “my culture” technique, and emotional depth. art—it nurtured identity,” said Suresh
and established a powerful, secular and “where my family lives” to “mu- Winners were announced amid Bodiwala, Chairman of Asian Media
empire marked by religious tolerance, sic,” “fields,” and “colors.” Dr. Kaur enthusiastic applause. USA. “By connecting children to the
military strength, and cultural prosper- praised the young artists for express- Elementary (Template Category): legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, PCS
ity until its fall to British forces in 1849. ing identity through creativity. “Keep First place went to Khem Kaur Sohi, is preserving Punjabi pride while in-
Through pencils, paints, and imag- drawing, keep painting, keep dream- followed by Ayan Singh and Sidak spiring resilience, unity, and hope for
ination, the young participants de- ing,” she said. “As you grow, Punjab Mangat. Freehand Category: Bani Gill the future.”
picted scenes of fortified Lahore, the grows brighter through you.” secured first place, with Prabhdeep Through color and creativity, the
Harmandir Sahib glowing under royal The event was further elevated Singh Maken and Ekam Singh fol- young artists ensured that the legacy of
patronage, Sikh warriors on horseback, by the presence of Illinois State Sen- lowing. Middle School: Ramneek Gill the Sikh Empire—its courage, inclusivi-
fertile fields, and emblems of sover- ator Karina Villa, representing the placed first, followed by Anmoldeep ty, and cultural brilliance—continues to
eignty. Each artwork reflected not just 25th District. A former school social Singh Maken and Mohkam Singh thrive across generations and continents.

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