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
,
26
September
2021

3Gs: Guru, Gurgaddi, Granth

In this conversation we spoke about 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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Thursday
,
12
August
2021

Session 1 - Introduction: 1Oankar & Nam

Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur cover the major Sikh principles and paradigms.

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Thursday
,
12
August
2021

Sidh Gosti - Introduction

“Sidh Gosti: Learning through Dialogue” is a 5-day Sidak online course that explores the Bani of Guru Nanak Sahib. Enhance your relationship with IkOankar, engage in critical conversations about issues affecting Sikh families and the Panth, and develop opinions on non-Sikh topics supported by a Gurmat framework.

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Thursday
,
22
July
2021

The Political-Spiritual Being

Watch Harinder Singh, Manvinder Kaur and Jasleen Kaur as they try to understand Miri-Piri from a Gurmat (Guru’s Way) perspective, as inferred from Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle).

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Thursday
,
3
June
2021

1984 Remembrance: The Sikhs and the Indian State

Why is Remembrance necessary? Harinder Singh and Manpreet Singh talk about 1984 and parallels with human rights movements today.

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Tuesday
,
1
June
2021

Guru in Sikhi: Up Close & Personal

This Sidak event provides participants aged 18-40 a 4-hr glimpse into the 2-week Sidak summer leadership program. The prospective Sidakers will get a chance to preview learning and sharing via the curated content and the inspired facilitators.

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Podcasts

Tuesday
,
23
January
2024

In the Sikh faith, is God a man?

In Sikh ideals, preference is not to use the term "God" as it often carries gendered imagery. Instead, we embrace ੴ pronounced as IkOankar, the genderless and transcendent Being. IkOankar is not just gender-neutral; it transcends gender.

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Tuesday
,
9
January
2024

Is the Sikh religion called Sikhi or Sikhism? Does it matter?

"I think it matters because what is our indigenous term? And what is the term which those who were studying us in the last hundred years started calling us? Our native term is Sikhi. Sikhism is something which was born out of the study of religions..."

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Wednesday
,
27
December
2023

What does “Sikh” mean?

When we look at the two meanings as they existed at the time (in Sanskrit and in Pali) and incorporate them into what we now call Sikhi, it actually means learners who are of the Guru. Guru is a mentor, Guru in Sikhi is Perfection.

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Tuesday
,
5
December
2023

Why do Sikhs have unique customs and traditions?

The initiation of community development with Guru Nanak Sahib marked the introduction of protocols aimed at organizing and highlighting the essential roles of governance and unity in any community.

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Tuesday
,
21
November
2023

What does "Chardi Kala" mean?

Delve into the profound essence of "Chardi Kala" in this enlightening podcast episode. Discover how embracing Nam and forging a connection with a potent force converge to bring forth the manifestation of Chardi Kala—Rising Power.

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Friday
,
10
November
2023

1984 Genocide: Relentless Pursuit of Justice in Indian Courts

It has been 39 years since the 1984 Sikh Genocide orchestrated by the Indian government. Why is the legal course of action still necessary? What outcomes have been achieved so far, and what else is being pursued?

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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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