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

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
,
15
March
2024

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 02: Yoga Disrupted

Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore what it means to earn union in comparison to transactional relationships with the divine. They also discuss what it means to sing as waves of love and deep knowledge arise from within, in comparison to the...

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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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Monday
,
8
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..."

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Podcasts

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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Tuesday
,
24
October
2023

Why does it seem that only men lead Sikh prayer services?

In Sikhi (commonly known as Sikhism), women's fundamental equality exists in both private and public spheres and within personal and corporate relationships. Women possess the freedom to lead in any capacity without predefined roles.

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Tuesday
,
10
October
2023

What is Nam Simran?

Nam Simran holds significant importance in Sikhi, extending far beyond mere identification with the Divine. ‘Nam’ goes beyond identification, and ‘Simran’ signifies remembrance.

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Friday
,
6
October
2023

Understanding Canada-India Disharmony in the Sikh-Panjab Context

Listen as Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur discuss the larger context around the latest events in Canada. 

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Tuesday
,
26
September
2023

Why do Sikhs recite the same daily prayers?

“…it really has nothing to do with whether it is less or more. It has everything to do with that these are the aspirations of the community. When we come together as a community, we do a minimum of these recitations.

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Articles

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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Sunday
,
14
May
2017

O! Eternal-Guru, I Have Come to Your Sanctuary

In the serene setting of Rag Todi, Guru Ramdas Sahib's Sabad echoes with profound reverence, contemplation, and devotion. Todi, celebrated for its solemn and reflective atmosphere, envelops the listener in a tranquil and profound experience.

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Monday
,
15
May
2017

Bhai Maharaj Singh

On 15 May 1850, a ship named Mohammad Shah left the shores of Calcutta for Singapore. It was transporting two Sikh prisoners fighting for the independence of Panjab.

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Monday
,
22
May
2017

All-Pervasive Enables World-Ocean Crossing

In the ambiance of Rag Bairari, Guru Ramdas Sahib's Sabad echoes with profound spiritual depth and intricacy. Despite being an uncommon and challenging rag, Bairari's melodious essence evokes a sense of continuous improvement and progress.

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Monday
,
5
June
2017

Who are Mother, Father, Children and Wife? Who is Whose Sibling?

Guru Teghbahadur Sahib’s Sabad, composed in Sarang Rag, offers profound wisdom on the transitory nature of the world and the importance of anchoring oneself in the All-Pervasive One.

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Monday
,
5
June
2017

If I Address You as a Leader, How is That Expressing Your Greatness?

In the joyful rhythm of Rag Bilaval, Guru Nanak Sahib's Sabad unfolds with a profound sense of humility, devotion, and recognition of the greatness of the One.

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Presenting at Upcoming Events

Sat
,
Nov 22

Wisdom, Courage & Sovereignty - Fundraiser

Grand Taj Banquet Hall

Experience an afternoon of inspiring stories, meaningful conversation, and a collective vision for a brighter future. Together, let’s build a lasting impact.

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