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
,
1
November
2014

1984 – Re-evaluating Justice

Everyone is talking about 1984. In this video, Harinder Singh (CEO and Co-Founder of SikhRI) is talking about Justice - Build upon what was 1984 was about in terms of justice.

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Wednesday
,
15
October
2014

Liv - Remembering Sukha and Jinda

Remembering Sukhdev Singh Sukha and Harjinder Singh Jinda Honoring their sacrifices.

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Thursday
,
12
June
2014

Vancouver Candlelight Vigil

Harinder Singh speaks in Vancouver about June 1984. The past, present and what we can do in the future.

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Tuesday
,
3
June
2014

Applying Sikhi in Everyday Living

How to take the basic Sikh teachings and live them on a daily basis. Focusing on the teachings of the Guru's rather than interpretations of Sikhi from other individuals.

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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

Sunday
,
10
May
2009

Mothers in My Life

I realized the divine gift of human life through my biological mother, Kamaljit Kaur, in 1972. I thank Guru Sahib (perfection beyond prophets) for blessing her to bring me into this world.

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Thursday
,
5
November
2009

Maharaja of Firangi

Last week I walked into the first exhibition to comprehensively explore the extraordinarily rich culture of the maharajas. “Maharaja – the Splendor of India‘s Royal Courts” is the feature exhibit at the Victoria & Alberta Museum in London...

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Thursday
,
18
February
2010

Celebrating the Lover

The magnificence of Prof. Mehboob’s poetry heartened my faith; his magical words and transcending love arouses an unquenchable hunger in me.

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Saturday
,
20
March
2010

Holi: Color Me What?

I have taken some time off to be Mr. Mom while my wife is on a work assignment in India. In preparing to make the move to Bangalore, I was excited about being in the land of MS Subbulakhsmi (renowned Carnatic vocalist) and Kalmane coffee.

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Tuesday
,
20
July
2010

Republic in 20 Months

A world was waiting to be born.

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Saturday
,
31
July
2010

Life at Thirty-Eight

On 31 July 1972, I was given a graceful opportunity to land on earth. Being of the Creator and Creation, I am to experience the Divine freedom while enjoying and living life to its fullest.

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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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