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
,
20
October
2025

What is the Sikh stance on idol worship?

Idol worship is practiced in many traditions around the world. In Sikhi, however, the Divine is infinite and cannot be confined to any shape or form.

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Monday
,
6
October
2025

Is the Amrit Ceremony essential for Sikhs?

In the Sikh tradition, the Amrit Ceremony is the initiation into the Khalsa, a path of full declaration to the Divine and service to humanity.

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Monday
,
29
September
2025

What is the purpose of the Gurduara?

A Gurduara is a Sikh place of both worship and learning, originally called Dharamsal, serving as a sanctuary rooted in principles of equality and care.

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Monday
,
15
September
2025

Why did most of the Gurus establish new cities?

The vision was far more about action. Guru Nanak saw that while many kings, sovereigns, and emperors spoke of equality, respect and dignity, their policies didn’t reflect those principles.

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Friday
,
12
September
2025

Witness to Truth & Martyrdom

Join Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as they reflect on the life and legacy of Jaswant Singh Khalra, popular narratives around him, and the lesser-known facts about his work.

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Monday
,
1
September
2025

What role does free will play in Sikhi?

In Sikhi, free will exists within a larger Divine framework. Imagine a picture frame: you choose what to place inside but cannot change the frame itself. You don’t get to change cosmic laws or physical laws.

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Podcasts

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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Thursday
,
18
May
2023

Women & Gender in Sikhi

Listen as Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore Women & Gender in Sikhi from a Gurmat (Guru’s Way) perspective, as inferred from Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle).

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Friday
,
31
March
2023

Understanding the Crackdown In Panjab & Protests in Diaspora

Listen as Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur discuss the larger Sikh context around the latest events in Panjab. What is the background needed in order to make an informed judgement of current events?

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Tuesday
,
14
March
2023

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 10: 1’s Identification

In this eleventh and final podcast of the series, Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s utterances on the 1’s Identification.

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Tuesday
,
7
March
2023

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 09: Divine Creator

In this tenth podcast, Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s utterances on the Divine Creator.

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Tuesday
,
28
February
2023

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 08: That One

In this ninth podcast, Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s utterances on the vastness of IkOankar. They discuss the Guru’s description of how even the holiest of people lost themselves in intense concentration...

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Articles

Wednesday
,
9
September
2020

Sikhi & Sexuality

Sexuality is a confusing and often avoided topic. It is generally relegated to being a "private" matter, and therefore not openly discussed or engaged with, even within close circles and small communities.

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Thursday
,
7
November
2019

Sikhi & Abortion

Abortion as defined by the the Oxford dictionary is a “deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often performed during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy.” Abortions have long been performed and long been the subject of considerable debate.

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Friday
,
1
March
2019

Akal Takht Sahib: Timeless Sovereign Throne

Akal Takht Sahib (Timeless Throne Sovereign) commands the worldly moral authority of the Sikhs, functioning as the institutional manifestation of the Miri-Piri (Political-Spiritual) doctrine as envisioned by the Gurus.

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Thursday
,
20
September
2018

Gurduara: A Sikh Place of Learning

The Gurduara is considered to be the heart of the Sikh community. Throughout all components of the Gurduara, the teachings of the Gurus must be visible in both abstract heights and concrete realities.

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Monday
,
5
February
2018

Anand Karaj: The Sikh Marriage

The Anand Karaj (Sikh marriage ceremony) is one of the life stages outlined with specific sentiments and ceremonies for Sikhs. Its procedures have received increased attention in recent years as a major community issue.

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Tuesday
,
24
October
2017

Who is a Sikh?

As the global Sikh population expands in size and complexion, the definition of a Sikh becomes increasingly important to support and shape the community. This study sets out to establish an understanding of how to conceptualize who is a Sikh.

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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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