Harinder Singh is the Senior Fellow at the Sikh Research Institute. He holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University, an MS in Engineering Management from the University of Kansas, and an MPhil from Punjab University in the linguistics of the Guru Granth Sahib.
He co-founded the Sikh Research Institute and the Panjab Digital Library, envisioned the Kaur and Singh Academy, and organized the Free Akal Takht campaign.
He appears on radio and television programs and speaks at universities, parliaments, museums, conferences, and civic institutions. He has authored several books and numerous articles integrating the political and the spiritual. He consults on curriculums, exhibitions, and films and is featured in many documentaries on the Sikhs, the Panjab, and South Asian matters.
His current focus is on developing critical thinking for Sikh institutions via the State of the Panth report series and developing open-source decoding of Guru Granth Sahib in contemporary Panjabi and English for a global audience.
He has served on the National Conference on Community and Justice boards, The Fellowship of Activists to Embrace Humanity, The Nanakshahi Trust, among others. He looks for culturally-specific things to experience and a light roast pour-over coffee to sip during travels, reads and binge-watches to stay in touch with what the world is up to, and listens to sabads, poetry, Hir, jazz, and political rap.
Harinder Singh resides with his family in the United States.
Collaboration, debates and how we work internally to make sure we are putting our best work in the Project? Harinder Singh, Project Lead, Reviewer & English Commentator explains.
Dr. Jaswant Singh, Content Lead, Reviewer & Panjabi Transcreator explains how they reconcile and integrate the different "schools of thought" when it comes to the project.
Jasleen Kaur and Harinder Singh discuss polygamy and the Sikhi framework from the State of the Panth report.
Jasleen Kaur talks about why we chose to talk about sexuality for the state of the Panth report.
Watch the entire thought provoking conversation with Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as they try to understand and explain sexuality in the context of a Sikh worldview.
Surinder Singh Jodhka is Professor of Sociology at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He researches on different dimensions of social inequalities – old and new – and the processes of their reproduction.
Our panel discusses the newly launched Guru Granth Sahib Project. The Project states that, although there are Gurbani translations available in Panjabi text belonging to the early twentieth century by many celebrated Sikh giants, and some in English from recent times, there is a need for a fresh perspective for contemporary audiences. The project aims to make the Guru Granth Sahib accessible to English speakers globally via technology. Our lead Researchers discuss the challenges in creating this work, their transcreation process, and how these translations may differ from others.
The Panjab Digital Library was selected to develop an exhibition for the 350-year celebration of Guru Gobind Singh by the government of Bihar.
The Sabad begins with a profound declaration— the body itself is a manifestation of the divine, a temple, and a wandering pilgrim. This poetic imagery invites reflection on the sacred nature of the physical form, transforming it into a vessel for...
In the melodic embrace of Rag Asavar, Guru Ramdas Sahib's bestowed Sabad resonates, capturing the transitional hues from late afternoon to early evening.
Listen to Harinder Singh’s reflection on Bhagat Namdev’s evolution from deity worship to seeing Divinity pervading everywhere.
This Sabad by Guru Ramdas Sahib within Rag Sorath encompasses a tapestry of emotions: seriousness, love, separation, longing, and detachment. Traditionally performed, it encapsulates a spectrum of human experiences.
Explore the Sabad (Shabad) of Guru Arjan Sahib in Rag (raag) Asa from the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. Sabad is the bond between the Guru and the Sikh. Read the translation done by Harinder Singh and Inni Kaur.
Babbar Akali (Babbars) movement (1921-1925) was a radical outgrowth of the Akali movement for the reform of Gurduaras. The latter practiced non-violence of the strong to free Gurduaras from state-sponsored “priests” suffering physical injury and violence at the hands of the “priests” and government authority.
In this Sabad attributed to Bhagat Ravidas, a profound contemplation unfolds. This composition finds its musical foundation in Rag Gujri, an ancient melodic mode reserved for the early hours of the day, evoking a sense of serene awakening.
Composed by Guru Ramdas Sahib, this piece is set in Rag Devgandhari, an ancient melodic mode traditionally sung during the second quarter of the day. This Sabad encapsulates the yearning to connect with the radiant Beloved.
This Sabad by Guru Ramdas Sahib within Rag Sorath encompasses a tapestry of emotions: seriousness, love, separation, longing, and detachment. Traditionally performed, it encapsulates a spectrum of human experiences.
Join Harinder Singh as he discusses Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Medicine For Life.