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

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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Friday
,
5
January
2024

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Introduction

This video serves as an introduction to the series, offering a conversation between Harinder Singh, the Innovation Director, and Jasleen Kaur, a Research Associate.

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Tuesday
,
26
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
,
12
December
2023

Sikhi: Personal Practice & Public Responsibility

Join us for an inspiring talk on the profound connection between personal Sikhi practice and our collective responsibilities in today's world.

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Monday
,
4
December
2023

Why do Sikhs have unique customs and traditions?

As community development commenced with Guru Nanak, protocols were introduced to establish an organization, emphasizing the necessity for governance and unity within any community.

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Monday
,
27
November
2023

Mul Mantar

Embark on a transformative journey with Harinder Singh as he unravels the profound wisdom of Guru Nanak Sahib, exploring the Mul Mantar—the Innovation. Discover the attributes of IkOankar, the 1, and the concrete path to lasting security.

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Podcasts

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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Tuesday
,
12
September
2023

What is the significance of hair for Sikhs?

"Hair in Sikhi is part of the protocol, as well as part of the tradition...You emulate the modalities you believe in of the ones you love." In this podcast series, we dive into the community's greatest questions asked by people like YOU.

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Articles

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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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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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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Presenting at Upcoming Events

Sat
,
Oct 18

Guru Teghbahadar Sahib: The Ninth Sovereign

SevaSpaces Tysons

Join us for an upcoming event commemorating Guru Teghbahadar Sahib: The Ninth Sovereign with SikhRI speaker Harinder Singh.

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Wed
,
Sep 24

Guru Teghbahadar Sahib: The Perfect Sword-Warrior Sovereign

Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan

Harinder Singh of SikhRI will be speaking at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan in New Delhi.

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Sat
,
Nov 22

SikhRI 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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