Harinder Singh

Senior Fellow, Research & Policy

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.

Videos

Monday
,
26
August
2019

#nanakshahi550 - Do you want to join Guru Nanak Sahib's revolution?

Harinder Singh responds to the question of why one would want to join Guru Nanak's revolution. This video series attempts to shatter the prevailing image of Guru Nanak Sahib as a peaceful saint.

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Tuesday
,
18
September
2018

Sabad is Infinite Wisdom – Words of Faith

Sabad is vast. It is infinite wisdom. 

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Tuesday
,
11
September
2018

What is a Guru? – Words of Faith

Is Guru perfection? Words of Faith: a new series explaining the recurring words in Guru Granth Sahib. Don't forget to Like, Share and Comment!!! Learn More: http://www.sikhri.org/

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Tuesday
,
4
September
2018

Nam is the Culture of Sikhs – Words of Faith

Words of Faith: a new series explaining the recurring words in Guru Granth Sahib.

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Tuesday
,
28
August
2018

Facts about "HAR" – Words of Faith

Did you know that "Har" is the most used word in Guru Granth Sahib. Words of Faith: a new series explaining the recurring words in Guru Granth Sahib. Don't forget to Like, Share and Comment!!! Learn More: http://www.sikhri.org/

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Monday
,
27
August
2018

Ik Oankar Explained – Words of Faith

IkOankar (1Force, The One, Divine, Creator) is Guru Nanak Sahib’s offering to humanity, and the opening of the Guru Granth Sahib. 

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Podcasts

Tuesday
,
24
October
2023

Why does it seem that only men lead Sikh prayer services?

In Sikhi (commonly known as Sikhism), women's fundamental equality exists in both private and public spheres and within personal and corporate relationships. Women possess the freedom to lead in any capacity without predefined roles.

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Tuesday
,
10
October
2023

What is Nam Simran?

Nam Simran holds significant importance in Sikhi, extending far beyond mere identification with the Divine. ‘Nam’ goes beyond identification, and ‘Simran’ signifies remembrance.

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Friday
,
6
October
2023

Understanding Canada-India Disharmony in the Sikh-Panjab Context

Listen as Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur discuss the larger context around the latest events in Canada. 

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Tuesday
,
26
September
2023

Why do Sikhs recite the same daily prayers?

“…it really has nothing to do with whether it is less or more. It has everything to do with that these are the aspirations of the community. When we come together as a community, we do a minimum of these recitations.

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Tuesday
,
12
September
2023

What is the significance of hair for Sikhs?

"Hair in Sikhi is part of the protocol, as well as part of the tradition...You emulate the modalities you believe in of the ones you love." In this podcast series, we dive into the community's greatest questions asked by people like YOU.

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Thursday
,
18
May
2023

Women & Gender in Sikhi

Listen as Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore Women & Gender in Sikhi from a Gurmat (Guru’s Way) perspective, as inferred from Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle).

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Articles

Friday
,
23
June
2017

Colorful Enticer is My Life’s Honor

This Sabad, bestowed upon us by Guru Ramdas Sahib, resonates within the melodic framework of Rag Asavar. Its evocative tones find their expression during the late afternoon transitioning into the early evening.

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Friday
,
30
June
2017

Brimful Immortal Nectar is Within the Home

In this trans-creation, we have chosen to keep the repeating words in the Sabad same. We aspire to learn and retain the Divine attribute as used in the original Sabad and avoid terms like God or Lord.

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Sunday
,
2
July
2017

Surrender Mind and Body, Forsake Societal Norms

In the vibrant rhythm of rag Suhi, Guru Arjan Sahib's Sabad emanates profound love and devotion, evoking a sense of reverential adoration.

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Monday
,
10
July
2017

O! Ignorant. Wake up! Why Are You Asleep?

Bhagat Ravidas's Sabad captures the essence of deep love, devotion, and reverential adoration in the resonance of Rag Suhi.

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Wednesday
,
19
July
2017

That Protector Protected. All Ailments Eradicated.

In the vibrant melody of Rag Bilaval, Guru Arjan Sahib's Sabad resonates with themes of divine protection, grace, and spiritual sustenance. Bilaval, known for its uplifting mood, provides a fitting backdrop for this expression of profound faith and...

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Wednesday
,
26
July
2017

I Surrender to My Own Guru

In the melodic embrace of Jaitsari rag, Guru Ramdas Sahib's Sabad unfolds with poignant sincerity, echoing the heartfelt sentiment of dependence and longing.

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Presenting at Upcoming Events

Wed
,
Jan 8

Guru Nanak's Medicine for Life

Penrith Gurdwara

Join Harinder Singh as he discusses Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Medicine For Life.

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Sun
,
Jan 12

Guru Nanak's Medicine for Life

Deakin University, Building LC

Join Harinder Singh as he discusses Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Medicine For Life.

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