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

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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Saturday
,
25
July
2009

1984 & You

Two major events took place in India, during 1984 in quick succession within a span of 5 month. The Indian Army attacked Akal Takhat Sahib in June, and an anti-Sikh genocidal campaign was undertaken by the ruling political party...

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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

Wednesday
,
24
August
2011

Faith as an Engine of Criminal Justice Reform

With all attention currently on the debt ceiling in the US, the faith community is calling on leadership to save money through addressing the wasteful costs of incarcerating 2.3 million Americans.

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Monday
,
9
November
2020

Allama Iqbal and The Sikhs

Understanding Dr. Iqbal’s perspectives on Guru Nanak Sahib and the Khalsa, his interactions with Sirdar Kapur Singh and his favorite compositions from the Guru Granth Sahib.

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Monday
,
29
May
2017

Guru Arjan Sahib: The Sovereign-Martyr

Guru Arjan Sahib was martyred as per the orders of Emperor Jahangir on 30 May 1606.

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Friday
,
16
June
2017

June 1984 Ghallughara

The June 1984 army action on the Golden Temple complex – Sri Harimandar Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib – was a tipping point in the Sikh and Indian history 33 years ago.

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Wednesday
,
9
September
2020

Sikhi & Sexuality

Sexuality is a confusing and often avoided topic. It is generally relegated to being a "private" matter, and therefore not openly discussed or engaged with, even within close circles and small communities.

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Thursday
,
7
November
2019

Sikhi & Abortion

Abortion as defined by the the Oxford dictionary is a “deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often performed during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy.” Abortions have long been performed and long been the subject of considerable debate.

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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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