NEW YORK — Student leader and community advocate Jaskaran Singh was honored at a special gathering in Queens, New York, recognizing his years of work uplifting youth and students through mentorship, leadership, and community engagement. The event, held at a time when student mental health challenges are rising nationwide, brought together university students, nonprofit representatives, community leaders, and members of New York's Sikh and interfaith communities.
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, strong values, and positive educational environments 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, multicultural outreach, 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 the event 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.
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, the engineer, humanitarian and founder of Scientology, 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. The Foundation also helps preserve the historic L. Ron Hubbard Residence in Bay Head, NJ, where Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health was authored.
The recognition of Singh comes at a critical juncture for student mental health, with implications for business and technology leaders who rely on a healthy, educated workforce. As mental distress among students rises, initiatives that promote mentorship and community support can help build resilience and prepare future leaders. Singh's work underscores the importance of investing in youth development programs that address both academic and personal challenges, which is essential for sustaining innovation and productivity in the tech and business sectors.
