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

Friday
,
19
June
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Recorded in London, Harinder Singh and moderator, Gurinder Kaur Chadha, reflect on the life and legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, exploring his vision of sovereignty, compassion, courage, and spiritual freedom. 

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Tuesday
,
16
June
2026

Kirpan: Panthic Accountability & Developing Inner Grace

In this episode, join Jasleen Kaur, Harinder Singh, and Santbir Singh for a reflective and nuanced conversation about what this case has brought up about the Kirpan, Khalsa identity, masculinity, and our responsibility to one another.

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Wednesday
,
27
May
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Recorded in Brampton, the dialogue features Harinder Singh in conversation with Puneet Kaur Mann. They reflect on Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s vision of sovereignty rooted not in power or dominance, but in grace, responsibility, and deep spiritual awareness.

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Tuesday
,
26
May
2026

Sacrilege & Sovereignty

Beadbi is back in the news, and this time, the Panjab government has passed a new law. But is a state-legislated solution what the Panth needs?

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Thursday
,
7
May
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Recorded in Vancouver, the dialogue features Harinder Singh — author of the book, educator, and co-founder of SikhRI — alongside author, psychiatrist, and advocate Dr. Shimi Kaur Kang.

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Friday
,
24
April
2026

Why do Sikhs sit on the ground during Divan and Langar?

Across cultures and throughout history, sitting on the ground has been a natural part of daily life. However, within the Sikh tradition, the Gurus intentionally established this practice in spaces of spiritual gathering and communal sharing.

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Podcasts

Thursday
,
9
July
2026

Kirpan: Panthic Accountability & Developing Inner Grace

In this episode, join Jasleen Kaur, Harinder Singh, and Santbir Singh for a reflective and nuanced conversation about what this case has brought up about the Kirpan, Khalsa identity, masculinity, and our responsibility to one another.

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
28
May
2026

Sacrilege & Sovereignty

Join Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as they return to the question of ‘sacrilege,’ Sikh governance, and what it means when the state steps in to deal with matters over which Sikh institutions are meant to have authority.

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Thursday
,
21
May
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Recorded in Vancouver, the dialogue features Harinder Singh — author of the book, educator, and co-founder of SikhRI — alongside author, psychiatrist, and advocate Dr. Shimi Kaur Kang.

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
23
April
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Join Harinder Singh for a thoughtful and reflective conversation exploring Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom.

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Friday
,
20
February
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Recorded in Chandigarh, the dialogue, featuring Harinder Singh — author, educator, and co-founder of SikhRI — and Journalist & Author Roopinder Singh, invites viewers to engage deeply with the life, vision, and the eternal wisdom of the Tenth Sovereign.

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Friday
,
6
February
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

A reflective book conversation on Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom, marking 350 years of Gurgaddi.

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Articles

Friday
,
14
April
2017

Nash Doctrine: Five Freedoms of Vaisakhi 1699

The initiation rites or ceremonies without a doctrine get reduced to mere meaningless rituals. Without the Nash doctrine, the Vaisakhi for the Sikhs can not be located as a transformative historical event.

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Monday
,
17
April
2017

That Husband-Beloved’s Love

Explore the Sabad (Shabad) of Guru Arjan Sahib in Rag (raag) Asa from the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. Read the translation done by Harinder Singh and Inni Kaur. Listen to Inni Kaur’s reflection on this Sabad. 

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Sunday
,
30
April
2017

Hari Singh ‘Nalua’

Hari Singh Nalua (popularly Nalwa) was the Commander-in-Chief of the Sikh Khalsa Army in the North West Frontier in the Kingdom of Panjab, ruled by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

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Sunday
,
30
April
2017

Everywhere I Go, Bithal is Present

Delve into the Sabad (Shabad) of Bhagat Namdev in Rag (raag) Asa from the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. Read the translation done by Harinder Singh and Inni Kaur.

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Sunday
,
30
April
2017

Whatever is Asked From the Ruler, That’s What is Given

In the melodic embrace of Dhanasari, a rag known for its cheerful disposition, Guru Arjan Sahib crafts a Sabad that resonates with spiritual depth and joy.

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Monday
,
8
May
2017

O! Divine! Glance at Me, Graciously Save Me

In the harmonious embrace of Dhanasari, a rag that resonates with happiness, Guru Arjan Sahib crafts a Sabad that delves into the profound aspects of spiritual realization and seeking divine refuge.

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Presenting at Upcoming Events

Sun
,
Jul 26

Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra

Khalsa Diwan Society Abbotsford

Join us to reflect on Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra’s inspiring life, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of justice and Sikh sovereignty.

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Wed
,
Jul 22

Akal Takht Sahib: Vision, Model, & Current Challenges

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (FIR 128)

Join us for an insightful seminar on the significance of the Akal Takht Sahib — the highest seat of Sikh sovereignty and governance.

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Sun
,
Jul 26

Sidak 2026

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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