In a ceremony held in Queens, New York, student advocate Jaskaran Singh was honored for nearly a decade of community leadership, mentorship, and youth advocacy, addressing the growing mental health crisis among college students. The event drew university students, nonprofit representatives, and members of New York's Sikh and interfaith communities to celebrate his contributions to student empowerment and community unity.
According to the American College Health Association, more than 76% of college students report experiencing moderate to serious mental distress. Community leaders at the event stressed that mentorship, strong values, and positive educational environments are crucial in helping students navigate these challenges—a cause Singh has championed through his work.
A graduate of Queensborough Community College and a dean's list honoree, Singh has become known in Queens academic and civic circles for his dedication to helping students succeed through mentorship programs, multicultural outreach, and youth advocacy initiatives. Several representatives from Commonpoint, a major New York City nonprofit providing youth education, workforce development, and mental health counseling, attended to support their former colleague and reaffirm his continued commitment to serving students and families.
Singh was joined by youth advocates and community representatives, including Gurpreet Singh of Gatka Federation USA, an organization dedicated to teaching the ancient Sikh martial art and principles of discipline and self-development. During the program, Singh presented citations from a local government official and a United States Senator to two attendees in recognition of their community service.
A highlight of the evening was a special presentation by Myles Parker of the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation, director of the historic Bay Head, New Jersey landmark where L. Ron Hubbard authored Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, described as the all-time bestselling book on the human mind. In recognition of Singh's commitment to youth and community upliftment, he was presented with a commemorative 75th Anniversary leatherbound edition of Dianetics, acknowledging his efforts to promote educational growth, intercultural dialogue, and positive solutions for modern mental-health and social challenges.
The evening concluded with reflections on the importance of individuals who dedicate themselves to uplifting others without seeking recognition—a principle attendees said Singh has consistently embodied through nearly a decade of student advocacy. The L. Ron Hubbard Foundation supports humanitarian, educational, and community initiatives focused on mental health awareness, literacy, drug prevention, moral education, and intercultural understanding, and helps preserve the historic L. Ron Hubbard Residence in Bay Head, NJ.
