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
,
5
December
2022

The 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhai Vir Singh

To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bhai Vir Singh, Harinder Singh shares 5 notions with 5 seeker personalities prevalent in today’s world culture.

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Friday
,
28
October
2022

What Candle to Light this Divali? | Omni Punjabi & Harinder Singh

Divali is celebrated every year with massive parties and social events globally. People of Hindu and Sikh communities celebrate this day according to their religious and cultural traditions.

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Monday
,
10
October
2022

How to Develop a Sikh Response?

How to 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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Monday
,
15
August
2022

1947: South Asia, Panjab & Sikhs

After 75 years of the Partition, why are the significant sections of Panjabis and the Sikhs feeling estranged? What are the historical, cultural, geopolitical, trade, and economic contexts and realities?

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Thursday
,
4
August
2022

Harinder Singh & SanjhaTV: What is Sodhna?

Is “Sodhna” to test, examine, correct, punish, or kill?What is “sudhosu” in the Guru Granth Sahib?How did Guru Nanak Sahib live it?Why Sikh leadership must re-learn o

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Friday
,
20
May
2022

Our Relationship with The Guru Granth Sahib

Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur speak about a Sikh's relationship with The Guru Granth Sahib.

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Podcasts

Friday
,
30
October
2020

The Guru Granth Sahib Project — Live Webinar

Our panel discusses the newly launched Guru Granth Sahib Project. The Project states that, although there are Gurbani translations available in Panjabi text belonging to the early twentieth century by many celebrated Sikh giants, and some in English from recent times, there is a need for a fresh perspective for contemporary audiences. The project aims to make the Guru Granth Sahib accessible to English speakers globally via technology. Our lead Researchers discuss the challenges in creating this work, their transcreation process, and how these translations may differ from others.

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Wednesday
,
11
January
2017

“Emperor-Prophet” - The Real Guru Gobind Singh Ji

The Panjab Digital Library was selected to develop an exhibition for the 350-year celebration of Guru Gobind Singh by the government of Bihar.

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Monday
,
11
September
2017

Nothing Comes, Nothing Goes

The Sabad begins with a profound declaration— the body itself is a manifestation of the divine, a temple, and a wandering pilgrim. This poetic imagery invites reflection on the sacred nature of the physical form, transforming it into a vessel for...

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Monday
,
12
June
2017

I Cannot Live Without All-Pervasive For Even a Moment or an Instant

In the melodic embrace of Rag Asavar, Guru Ramdas Sahib's bestowed Sabad resonates, capturing the transitional hues from late afternoon to early evening.

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Monday
,
24
April
2017

Everywhere I Go, Bithal is Present

Listen to Harinder Singh’s reflection on Bhagat Namdev’s evolution from deity worship to seeing Divinity pervading everywhere.

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Wednesday
,
15
March
2017

Day and Night I Ask for Nam Within

This Sabad by Guru Ramdas Sahib within Rag Sorath encompasses a tapestry of emotions: seriousness, love, separation, longing, and detachment. Traditionally performed, it encapsulates a spectrum of human experiences.

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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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