2023 Year in Review: Highlights & Reflections
Reflecting on a year of compelling stories, insightful interviews, and meaningful connections. Grateful for the privilege of sharing stories that matter.
As 2023 drew to a close, I took a moment to express my appreciation for a year full of experiences that changed my life, professional successes, and significant personal growth. Together we reflected on the most memorable moments that shaped this year and the valuable lessons they taught me.
January
I attended the Toronto Sikh Retreat and learned the importance of connecting with new communities and the benefits it can bring to my life. The retreat provided me with an amazing experience that helped me connect with a new community and make new friends. Additionally, I found that the retreat helped me start the year on a spiritual note, which was important for my personal growth and well-being
During my internship at CBC Radio Toronto, I gained valuable first-hand experience as an associate producer and technical support. I witnessed the inner workings of a renowned media outlet and received mentorship that helped shape my early months in 2023. Through this experience, I learned about the importance of hard work, collaboration, and attention to detail in the media industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked at CBC Radio Toronto and for the lessons I learned during my time there.
February
As I entered the world of digital media through Yahoo News Canada, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts and insights with a vast and varied audience. I crafted articles that resonated with my readers and helped bridge the gaps between different communities. Through my work, I learned the importance of every individual's voice and the incredible power of storytelling to connect people across geographical and cultural boundaries.
March
As I came to the end of my academic journey, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride. I had completed my Bachelor's degree in Journalism, and I felt like I had come a long way since I first started. Through the ups and downs, the late nights and early mornings, I learned that education is not just a means to an end, but a lifelong journey of growth and development.
Each chapter of my academic career had prepared me for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead, and I was excited to see where this journey would take me next.
April
During my time as a News Innovation Fellow at The Green Line, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the fascinating world of solutions journalism.
This experience taught me an important lesson: to create real change, we had to shift our focus from just identifying problems to also exploring potential solutions. Through my work, I was able to witness firsthand the power of this approach, and I was excited to continue applying this valuable knowledge to my future endeavors.
May and June
I had the privilege of being part of some remarkable events recently. Firstly, I proudly walked the graduation stage at Toronto Metropolitan University, surrounded by my fellow graduates, family, and friends. It was an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. Also a huge realization of me being the only Sikh guy with a turban walking down that stage that day.
During my reporting for Baaz News, I had the chance to attend a protest organized by international students who were standing up against deportation by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). It was an eye-opening experience to witness the passionate voices and collective efforts of these students who were determined to fight for their rights and the chance to remain in Canada.
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to attend the Collision conference, which was a fantastic gathering of the brightest minds in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The energy was palpable and I felt truly inspired by the ideas and people I encountered there.
Finally, I covered the exciting and dynamic Mayor's bye-elections in Toronto. It was an intense but rewarding experience, getting to witness first-hand the democratic process in action and meeting the candidates and their supporters.
These experiences have taught me the importance of celebrating every achievement, regardless of its size. Every success, big or small, contributed to our personal and collective narratives of success.
July
As I reveled in the joyous occasion surrounded by my dear friends and family, I had an epiphany. I realized how vital it was to remain grounded in the present moment and cherish the journey, even amidst the chaos and busyness of life.
It was a beautiful reminder that true happiness lay not in the destination but in the moments we experienced along the way.
August
I was fortunate enough to participate in the Sikh Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI), a remarkable initiative organized by the World Sikh Organization (WSO) for Sikh youth leaders. The program was designed to transform young Sikhs and help them develop essential leadership and advocacy skills, preparing them to become confident and successful leaders.
SYLI was more than just a one-time event. It was a journey of self-discovery that brought together young Sikhs from across Canada to find their voice and stand for justice and equality. The program was focused on providing young leaders with a comprehensive skill set, including emotional intelligence, political acumen, community building, and media relations.
The lessons I learned from SYLI were invaluable. I discovered that mentorship was a two-way street and that connections made with heart could last a lifetime. I was also able to make lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for leadership and advocacy.
SYLI was an exceptional experience that provided me with the tools and skills I needed to become a successful leader. I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this program and am excited to see how the skills I learned will help me make a difference in the world.
September
I had the opportunity to participate in the Media Inclusion Initiative, which brought me to the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. It was a surreal experience to walk down the red carpet and be part of such a glamorous event.
The Media Inclusion Initiative was a program that aimed to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. Through this initiative, I was able to witness firsthand the importance of telling stories from various perspectives and backgrounds. It was inspiring to see different cultures and traditions represented through the films and media showcased at the festival.
As a staff member, I had the opportunity to participate in the International Sikh Research Summit, where I learned about various issues affecting the Sikh community. Moreover, I had the privilege of meeting some of the most reputable Sikh scholars from around the world. It was a great honor to be part of a community of scholars and researchers who are committed to advancing our knowledge and understanding of Sikhism and its valuable contributions to society.
My experiences at the Toronto International Film Festival and the International Sikh Research Summit taught me that diversity in storytelling enriched our collective narrative and helped us appreciate the richness and complexity of our world.
October
As a Teaching Assistant, I had to dedicate a significant amount of time to marking assignments and helping first-year students. However, I also valued spending quality time with my family. Balancing these two responsibilities was challenging, but it taught me a valuable lesson. Through my work as a Teaching Assistant, I learned that empowering others is a powerful way to give back. By helping my students develop their skills and knowledge, I was not only supporting their academic success but also contributing to their personal growth.
This, in turn, brought me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. I believe that balancing my family time with my responsibilities as a Teaching Assistant taught me the importance of giving back to others in a meaningful way.
November
I was awarded the prestigious Floyd Chalmers Prize for Excellence in Business Journalism by the Ticker Club the award was for my outstanding work in the field of Business Journalism. This recognition has taught me a valuable lesson: that telling stories with passion and conviction can have a profound impact and earn you the recognition and respect that you deserve.
December
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a podcast where we delved into the damaging stereotypes that surround the Sikh community. It was a fascinating conversation that opened my eyes to the struggles many Sikhs face and how we can challenge these negative perceptions.
In addition to this, I was also part of the Downtown Seva Initiative in Toronto, which aims to provide support to those in need. We distributed care packages filled with essential items and necessities to people who could benefit from them the most. It was a humbling experience to see the difference we could make in people's lives by just offering a helping hand.
These experiences have taught me that it's essential to use our voices to challenge stereotypes and work towards creating positive changes in our communities. We must strive to create a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background.
Finally, I'm incredibly excited to share that there are some exciting announcements for the upcoming year that I'm eagerly looking forward to. I can't wait to see what the future holds, and I'm committed to continuing my efforts to make a difference in the world.
As the tapestry of 2023 unfolds, I am grateful for the lessons learned, the connections made, and the stories shared.
Here's to a new year filled with gratitude, continued growth, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
Get ready to experience a wave of new and exciting announcements in 2024.
Keep yourself updated by staying tuned for more details.