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

Thursday
,
3
November
2011

Sikhs, Sovereignty and Clashes With the Rulers of South Asia

Harinder Singh talks about how and more importantly why Sikhs clashed with the rulers of South Asia. Royal Asiatic Society London, UK

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Saturday
,
23
July
2011

Liv - Confronting Religious and Political Corruption

Through Babar Bani presentation explores the nexus between religion, society, politics at large and the Divine Will, as seen by Guru Nanak Sahib. It builds upon the relationship of a state vis-à-vis other states, civilians and the wider issues of human rights and morality. It tries to address question like, why a Divine remembering self- awakened individual is central to the idea of a dignified and sovereign society; what should be the duty of truly religious individuals and their role in the larger world politics? Finding contemporary parallels and learning lessons!

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Saturday
,
29
January
2011

Liv - With Whom Does my Allegiance Lie

Everyone says they are panthak or panthic (committed towards the betterment of the Panth) while the allegiance is varying. The presentation will include: Guiding Principle form Gurbani, Panthak Mind & Cordialness, Exploring Criterion in History, Understanding State Roles, and Lessons for Today.

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Monday
,
6
December
2010

Nation State in 20 Months

This is the story of an ascetic living in a remote Monastery established on the banks of Godavari in Nanded, who became the disciple of tenth Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He challenged the might of the powerful Mughals Empire, and went on to establish the rule of the Khalsa within a very short span of time. This is an inspirational story of commitment, humility, courage, dedication and sacrifice.

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Thursday
,
22
October
2009

Anand Karaj: Ceremony, Bliss & I

On the centennial of the Anand Marriage Act, Sikh Research Institute is making available preliminary resources aimed at drawing attention to the ratification of this historic legislation, as well as to impart to young Sikh couples the significance of the Sikh marriage ceremony.

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Podcasts

Tuesday
,
12
December
2017

Sikh Cast Ep63 - "Ignorance-era is the carafe”

Sabad is Infinite; we are very finite. This is our understanding at the moment, which was different yesterday and may evolve tomorrow, as we deepen our relationship with the Sabad.

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Tuesday
,
19
December
2017

Enticer Enticed My Mind

The Sabad opens with the Guru's profound declaration of being a "maiden-slave" of the Divine Ruler, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication.

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Tuesday
,
26
December
2017

Reflect on the Truth and the Contentment

Sabad is Infinite; we are very finite. This is our understanding at the moment, which was different yesterday and may evolve tomorrow, as we deepen our relationship with the Sabad.

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Tuesday
,
28
August
2018

Words of Faith - Ik Oankar

IkOankar (1Force, The One, Divine, Creator) is Guru Nanak Sahib’s offering to humanity, and the opening of the Guru Granth Sahib.

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Tuesday
,
28
August
2018

Words of Faith - Har

Did you know that "Har" is the most used word in Guru Granth Sahib?

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Tuesday
,
4
September
2018

Words of Faith - Nam

Words of Faith: a new series explaining the recurring words in Guru Granth Sahib. Nam is Identity. Nam is the culture of Sikhs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O_rtTswxyM --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-sikh-cast-sikhri/support

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Articles

Monday
,
18
September
2017

I Have Come to Listen and Read the Teachings

This Sabad by Guru Arjan Sahib, composed in Sarang Rag, is a transformative message that underscores the profound importance of living a life centered around Nam.

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Sunday
,
24
September
2017

Rain! O’ Revered Cloud! Delay Not Even a Bit

Guru Arjan Sahib’s composition in Rag Malar brings to life the profound emotional experience of longing and fulfillment, set against the backdrop of the monsoon rains.

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Wednesday
,
27
September
2017

Love of the Beloved is Lovely

In the serene and contemplative ambiance of the Kedara rag, Guru Arjan Sahib's Sabad resonates with profound devotion and spirituality. Typically performed during the tranquil hours from 9 p.m. to midnight, the Kedara rag evokes deep emotions...

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Thursday
,
28
September
2017

Mundavani: Can You Seal the Riddle?

Guru Amardas Sahib presents the riddle to global seekers. Guru Arjan Sahib offers the options on the platter. What will the seekers consume? Will they navigate language and culture to understand it?

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Sunday
,
1
October
2017

Remembering, My Owner Divine

In the enchanting melody of Dhanasari, a rag that evokes happiness, Guru Arjan Sahib weaves a Sabad that transcends the realms of joy and spiritual connection.

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Monday
,
9
October
2017

I am Nothing, I have Nothing, Nothing is Mine

Bhagat Sadhna's Sabad resonates with themes of sacrifice, humility, and devotion in the profound melody of Rag Bilaval. Bilaval, renowned for its determined mood, provides a fitting backdrop for this expression of deep spiritual contemplation.

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Presenting at Upcoming Events

Sat
,
Apr 26

Human Rights & Inclusion in Sikhi

Judy Silver Commons, Maples Collegiate

Join Harinder Singh in Winnipeg, Manitoba on 26 April 2025, for a keynote address and interactive session on Human Rights & Inclusion in Sikhi.

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Sun
,
Jul 20

Sidak 2025

Khalsa Centre

Sidak is a transformative educational experience designed for young Sikh adults aged 18 to 39. It brings together seekers from all over the world to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.

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