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

Friday
,
19
June
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Recorded in London, Harinder Singh and moderator, Gurinder Kaur Chadha, reflect on the life and legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, exploring his vision of sovereignty, compassion, courage, and spiritual freedom. 

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Tuesday
,
16
June
2026

Kirpan: Panthic Accountability & Developing Inner Grace

In this episode, join Jasleen Kaur, Harinder Singh, and Santbir Singh for a reflective and nuanced conversation about what this case has brought up about the Kirpan, Khalsa identity, masculinity, and our responsibility to one another.

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Wednesday
,
27
May
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Recorded in Brampton, the dialogue features Harinder Singh in conversation with Puneet Kaur Mann. They reflect on Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s vision of sovereignty rooted not in power or dominance, but in grace, responsibility, and deep spiritual awareness.

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Tuesday
,
26
May
2026

Sacrilege & Sovereignty

Beadbi is back in the news, and this time, the Panjab government has passed a new law. But is a state-legislated solution what the Panth needs?

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Thursday
,
7
May
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Recorded in Vancouver, the dialogue features Harinder Singh — author of the book, educator, and co-founder of SikhRI — alongside author, psychiatrist, and advocate Dr. Shimi Kaur Kang.

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Friday
,
24
April
2026

Why do Sikhs sit on the ground during Divan and Langar?

Across cultures and throughout history, sitting on the ground has been a natural part of daily life. However, within the Sikh tradition, the Gurus intentionally established this practice in spaces of spiritual gathering and communal sharing.

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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

Sunday
,
3
November
2013

The Sikh ‘Game of Thrones’

The true rulers are connected with the Truth. The earth-owners are not rulers for they suffer in other love. Is it worth praising, perishable, momentous reality?

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Saturday
,
22
February
2014

NarSinghs

The Sidak Retreat, San Antonio, Texas, USA Guru Granth Sahib is replete with references to the mythical tyrant-oppressor Harnakash and his arch-enemy and victim, his own infant son Prahlad.

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Thursday
,
24
April
2014

Are You Ready to Be a Decision-maker for Sikhs?

I heard as recently as last Sunday at a Baltimore gurduara, that Sikhs don't know how to make their own decisions. True, and false.

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Tuesday
,
13
May
2014

Mata-e-Panth: Sahib Kaur

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Wednesday
,
5
November
2014

Wanted – A New Sikh

In the struggle to solve the crisis facing the Sikhs today, I believe the tide is finally shifting. We are beginning to win the fight, but there is much more work to do and the clock is ticking away.

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Tuesday
,
27
October
2015

I Am a Sikh

How come you are asleep? Wake up, fool! You think your life in this world is the truth. – Guru Granth Sahib, p. 793 I am disenfranchised. Is it because they are afraid we’ll vote to return to Sarbat Khalsa? Self-governance bestowed by Guru Gobind Singh...

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Presenting at Upcoming Events

Sat
,
Sep 12

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Los Olivos Community Center

Join us for a reflective conversation exploring Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s life, legacy, and vision through the lens of sovereignty, leadership, courage, and collective responsibility.

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