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.
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.
Harinder Singh’s conversation covers a range of themes with Mr. Harvinder Singh Phoolka from Sikh, Panjabi, Indian, and International perspectives.
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.
Nam Simran holds significant importance in Sikhi, extending far beyond mere identification with the Divine. ‘Nam’ goes beyond identification, and ‘Simran’ signifies remembrance.
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?
“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..."
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.
Nam Simran holds significant importance in Sikhi, extending far beyond mere identification with the Divine. ‘Nam’ goes beyond identification, and ‘Simran’ signifies remembrance.
Listen as Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur discuss the larger context around the latest events in Canada.
“…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.
"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.
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).
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.
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.
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...
On 22 August 1936, Mohandas Gandhi labeled the proposed conversion of 60 million ‘untouchables’ to Sikhi as “A Dangerous Proposal.”
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.
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.
Join Harinder Singh as he discusses Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Medicine For Life.