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
,
20
November
2023

What does "Chardi Kala" mean?

If you want to follow the ideas in the house of Guru Nanak Sahib, then it is Nam; it is identifying with that force, identifying with that One, that produces what? Chardi Kala, which is Rising Power. You rise.

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Tuesday
,
31
October
2023

1984 Genocide: Relentless Pursuit of Justice in Indian Courts

Harinder Singh’s conversation covers a range of themes with Mr. Harvinder Singh Phoolka from Sikh, Panjabi, Indian, and International perspectives.

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Monday
,
23
October
2023

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

What has happened is there are cultural influences and personal biases; the larger hegemonic culture plays a role. This is not a product of Sikh ethos when women are either not allowed or are not being empowered to take certain leadership positions.

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Monday
,
9
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
,
29
September
2023

Understanding Canada-India Disharmony in the Sikh-Panjab Context

Join Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as they discuss the larger context around the latest events in Canada. What is the background needed to make sense of current events? What does this mean for Sikhs globally?

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Monday
,
25
September
2023

Why do Sikhs recite the same daily prayers?

“The question really is in the spirit form: why do we recite them? Because this is how we learn to relate with IkOankar, the one divine Force, the one All-Pervasive and Creative force..."

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Podcasts

Tuesday
,
18
September
2018

Words of Faith - Sabad

Words of Faith: a new series explaining the recurring words in Guru Granth Sahib Sabad is vast. It is infinite wisdom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrdpd9FRRug --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-sikh-cast-sikhri/support

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Tuesday
,
23
October
2018

State of the Panth Report: Gurduara

What’s the relationship between the Gurduara governance and the local sangat worldwide? We traced Gurduara’s history throughout the ages and surveyed the opinions of 1,172 self-identified Sikhs from 22 countries.

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Wednesday
,
6
November
2019

What would Guru Nanak Sahib do in 1984?

What would Guru Nanak Sahib do in 1984? Listen to this discussion between Harinder Singh and the Sikh Cast host, Manpreet Singh.

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Friday
,
14
February
2020

Love in Sikhi

Harinder Singh talks about Valentine's Day, the concept of Love in Sikhi, Martyrdom, the Lovers of Panjab and more.

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Friday
,
27
March
2020

COVID-19, Kabul Attack & The Sikh Response – The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Harinder Singh discusses how Sikhs need to respond to COVID-19 starting with healthcare in their own home and communities. A deadly attack on Sikhs took place in Afghanistan on 25 Mar 2020. We break down what really happened and how Sikhs can be prepared for the future.

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Friday
,
5
June
2020

1984: The Devoted & The Worldly: Harinder Singh – The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

We're taking an in-depth look at the events of Operation Blue Star in 1984 in Amritsar, Panjab. It's considered the third Ghallughara, or massacre, in Sikh history. The Indian government assaulted the sacred Golden Temple Complex and Akal Takht. In this episode, SikhRI's Senior Fellow on Research and Policy speaks to a live audience to provide clarity and context on the operation and it's legacy on the Sikh community. He answers why the attack happened, it's the historical context and why the memory is kept alive in #Remember1984.

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Articles

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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Monday
,
31
July
2017

How to Develop a Sikh Response

Who can curate a Sikh response? Why is a framework necessary? What is Gurmat? How do Bani, Tvarikh, and Rahit consitute Gurmat? Which sources can be classified as primary and secondary?

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Presenting at Upcoming Events

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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