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

Sunday
,
10
November
2024

1984: What does justice look like?

The concept of justice is often discussed in relation to the events of 1984, where the focus tends to be on bringing perpetrators to justice. However, a deeper question emerges: What does true justice look like?

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Saturday
,
9
November
2024

Countering 1984 Narratives & Overcoming Barriers

Understanding the 1984 events starts with self-education and discerning sources. The government’s single narrative—the White Paper—was quickly discredited, yet it remains widespread, leaving much unaddressed since June 1984.

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Friday
,
18
October
2024

1984: Witness, Document, Justice

Join SikhRI as we pay tribute to those who answered the call of humanity during those dark days in Delhi. Featuring an esteemed panel of historians, activists, and legal advocates, this event sheds light on their courageous efforts.

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Monday
,
17
June
2024

1984: Voices of Resilience

Harinder Singh spoke at the BC Sikh Heritage Event, "1984: Voices of Resilience," delving into the 1984 Sikh Ghallughara (a major genocidal campaign) and its lasting impact on the Sikh community.

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Monday
,
10
June
2024

Sant Jarnail Singh: The Man, the Myth, the Truth

Join host Santbir Singh as he delves into an in-depth conversation with Harinder Singh about Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a pivotal figure in 20th-century Sikh history.

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Monday
,
20
May
2024

1984 Path of the Warrior Saints

Harinder Singh, Senior Fellow of Research and Policy at the Sikh Research Institute, delves deeper into the themes of Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention.

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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

Monday
,
31
July
2017

This Mind Becomes Green

In the vibrant and energetic ambiance of Basant Rag, Guru Amardas Sahib's Sabad captures the essence of springtime—a season of renewal, joy, and the departure of the cold winter.

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Monday
,
7
August
2017

Those Who Forget Nam Become a Burden on the Earth

This Sabad is by Sheikh Farid (1173-1265) and is set in Rag Asa, a devotional musical framework. The essence of the composition lies in its contemplation of contrasting states. 

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Sunday
,
20
August
2017

Remember All-Pervasive, All-Pervasive Nam with the Sage-Guru

In the serene embrace of Rag Todi, Guru Ramdas Sahib's Sabad unfolds, inviting the listener into a realm of profound contemplation and devotion. With its serious and reflective mood, rag Todi serves as the perfect backdrop for exploring the depths...

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Tuesday
,
22
August
2017

60 Million Untouchable-Sikhs

On 22 August 1936, Mohandas Gandhi labeled the proposed conversion of 60 million ‘untouchables’ to Sikhi as “A Dangerous Proposal.” 

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Sunday
,
27
August
2017

My Mind Burns Deeply for All-Pervasive’s Experience

In the melodic strains of Rag Gond, Guru Ramdas Sahib's Sabad resonates with a triumphant yet humble spirit, reflecting a balanced perspective on spiritual attainment.

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Sunday
,
3
September
2017

Body Limbs and Breath Feel Comfort

In the tranquil embrace of Rag Kalian, Guru Arjan Sahib's Sabad unfolds with a soothing melody, invoking a sense of peace and blessing-seeking as the evening descends.

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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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