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

Tuesday
,
30
April
2024

1984 Path of the Warrior Saints

Join Harinder Singh and Mo Dhaliwal as they delve into the profound experiences of the Third Ghallughara (large-scale massacre) in India in 1984 and beyond.

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Monday
,
22
April
2024

Exploring the Sikh Genocide

Harinder Singh, Senior Fellow, Research and Policy, at the Sikh Research Institute, engages Sukhman Singh, Co-Founder and Director of Ensaaf, in a discussion on the occurrence, breadth and aftermath of the Sikh Genocide.

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Sunday
,
14
April
2024

Countdown to Vaisakhi 2024: Harinder Singh

Harinder Singh is the Co-Founder & Innovation Director at SikhRI. He appears on radio and television programs and speaks at universities, parliaments, museums, conferences, and civic institutions.

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Friday
,
16
February
2024

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 01: Renunciation Redefined

Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore the context of Indic paradigms, rituals, systems, and popular understandings that the Guru addresses in his reframing of renunciation and non-attachment. 

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Tuesday
,
6
February
2024

Is Guru Nanak Sahib’s Prakash Purab in April or November?

The date of Guru Nanak Sahib's birth is immaterial. Our focus needs to be on the Infinite Wisdom; that’s Prakash Purab. In Sikhi, it's not about the birth date; it’s about the profound ideas...

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Monday
,
22
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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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.

watch now ⟶
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

Thursday
,
24
March
2011

Two Bouquets: In Memory of Sardarni Mohinder Kaur

A life immersed in prayer and service. A life that radiated love. A life to be celebrated.

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Saturday
,
25
September
2010

Remembering An Insightful Sikh

Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib proclaims that giani (insightful one) is the one whose mind is clear about this dictum: Fear none and frighten none. Giani Harinder Singh is one such fellow who I had the great fortune of connecting with in the last decade.

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Tuesday
,
6
December
2011

Sidh Gosti - Learning Through Dialogue

Presented by Harinder Singh

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Friday
,
25
March
2011

Saluting the Ambassador

From my initial impressions in Des Moines, Iowa to multiple meetings in New Delhi, the author shares a strong representative-like personality of Patwant Singh who promoted the Sikh understanding to the world with vigor and courage.

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Saturday
,
30
April
2011

The Sikh Vote on May 2

Sikhs are now 2% of Canadian population and shining. At least 15 candidates from all three major parties (CPC, LPC & NDP) of Sikh and/or Panjabi descent are on the ballots.

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Saturday
,
30
April
2011

Introspection: Preparing For Canada's May 2 Federal Election

Sikh-Canadians are now 2% of the Canadian population and shining. At least 15 candidates from all three major parties - Conservative, Liberal, and New Democratic Party (NDP) - of Sikh and/or Punjabi descent are on the ballots.

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Presenting at Upcoming Events

Harinder Singh
 is not presenting at any upcoming events as of yet. Explore our upcoming events.