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

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."

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Sunday
,
7
May
2023

Women & Gender in Sikhi | Webinar

Join us in conversation with Harinder Singh, Jasleen Kaur, and Manvinder Kaur as we try to understand 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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Friday
,
14
April
2023

Countdown to Vaisakhi 2023: Harinder Singh

“Everything starts in the Sikh culture from Guru Nanak Sahib. And when Guru Nanak references the word Vai-sakhi, he actually brings it out of nature. Sak is a branch. If you look at humanity as being the tree symbolism..."

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Tuesday
,
11
April
2023

Sikhism, Khalistan & Guru Gobind Singh ji | The Ranveer Show 295

"In this episode, we cover topics like the Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings, Guru Angad, the 10 Sikh Gurus, understanding the 5K's, and much more."

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Tuesday
,
4
April
2023

Sikhi, Guru Nanak & What It Means To Be Sikh | The Ranveer Show 293

"In this episode, we cover the history of Sikhism and its basic principles. They also discuss the importance of meditation and the need to understand the native terms of Sikhi like Sicky and Saki."

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Wednesday
,
29
March
2023

Understanding the Crackdown In Panjab & Protests in Diaspora

Join Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as they discuss the larger Sikh context around the latest events in Panjab.

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Podcasts

Thursday
,
8
September
2022

1947: South Asia, Panjab & Sikhs

Several new South Asian nation-states were born as the British Raj ended in 1947.

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Thursday
,
12
May
2022

Vaisakhi: Reviving Panthic Leadership

The Khalsa inauguration on Vaisakhi day in 1699 infused the Sikhs and gave them a structure of ideas and institutions that continue to shape their lives both individually and collectively. We will discuss Panthic leadership through Sikhi ideals and historical models. We will also explore the current deficits in leadership and their code of conduct. How can Love-drenched & Wisdom-centered impetus revive organic leadership in the vicinity of ideals!

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Tuesday
,
22
February
2022

Beadbi: Distortions, Transgressions, Responses

Join Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as they discuss the larger Sikh context around beadbi as a political problem in need of a political solution. What is beadbi ? How has it been dealt with historically? What are its Panthic and legal understandings? How does it relate to the reverence Sikhs collectively show to the Guru Granth Sahib? And how, given recent cases in the news, can we understand individual and collective responses given the current realities on the ground?

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Friday
,
11
February
2022

Dan: Sikhi & Giving

Join us in conversation with Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as we try to understand Dan from a Gurmat (Guru’s Way) perspective, as inferred from Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle). 

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Friday
,
17
December
2021

Shukrana, Shahadat & Dat: The Real Gift

There is a deeply profound sentiment tied to martyrdom in Sikhi as well as in many other faiths groups. Throughout the ages, we have seen challenging circumstances of oppression that have chosen to desecrate the bodies of those who address it. 

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Monday
,
18
October
2021

3Gs: Guru, Gurgaddi, Granth

In this conversation, we discuss the Sikh context of what Guru is, “Gurgaddi” as the enthronement to the status of the Guru in Sikh tradition, and how the eternal co-Guruship came about by the Command of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib to Granth-Panth.

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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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