Amid a national surge in student mental health challenges, student leader and community advocate Jaskaran Singh was honored at a gathering in Queens, New York, for his sustained work in youth mentorship, multicultural outreach, and community engagement. The event, attended by university students, nonprofit representatives, and members of New York's Sikh and interfaith communities, underscored the critical need for student empowerment and positive educational environments.
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 emphasized that mentorship and strong values are essential in helping students navigate these growing challenges. Singh, a graduate of Queensborough Community College and dean's list honoree, has become known in Queens academic and civic circles for his dedication to helping students succeed academically and personally through mentorship programs and youth advocacy initiatives.
Several representatives from Commonpoint — a major New York City nonprofit providing youth education, workforce development, mental health counseling, and family services — attended to support their former colleague and reaffirm his continued commitment to serving students and families throughout the city.
As a respected young leader in the Sikh community, Singh was joined by university students, youth advocates, and community representatives, including Mr. Gurpreet Singh of Gatka Federation USA, an organization dedicated to teaching the ancient Sikh martial art and principles of discipline and self-development, along with several active and former student leaders from Queens.
During the program, Singh presented citations from a local government official and a United States Senator to two attendees in recognition of their service to the community and dedication to mentoring others. One of the evening's highlights was a special presentation by Mr. Myles Parker of the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation and director of the historic Bay Head, New Jersey landmark where Mr. L. Ron Hubbard authored Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, the all-time bestselling book on the human mind.
In recognition of his commitment to youth and community upliftment, Singh was presented with a commemorative 75th Anniversary leatherbound edition of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, acknowledging his efforts to promote educational growth, intercultural dialogue, and positive solutions for modern mental-health and social challenges facing students today.
The evening concluded with reflections on the importance of individuals who dedicate themselves to uplifting others without seeking recognition in return — a principle attendees said Singh has consistently embodied through nearly a decade of community and 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.
