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
,
18
August
2025

What does “Nanak” signify in Bani?

The word Nanak, which refers to Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of the Sikh faith, appears throughout Guru Granth Sahib. It denotes the contributor or revealer of a composition, functioning as a “signature” used by Guru Nanak Sahib and the rest of...

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
4
August
2025

What does Maya mean in the Guru Granth Sahib?

Maya, in the Guru Granth Sahib, refers to temporary relationships and possessions that constantly change. While they are gifts from the eternal One, attachment to them amplifies I-ness (Ego). By recognizing their impermanence and not becoming attached, on

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
31
July
2025

Akal Takht and The Sikh Perspective

What is the foundational purpose of Akal Takht Sahib, and to whom does its authority truly belong?

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
21
July
2025

What does Sikhi say about death and the afterlife?

In Sikhi, death is the end of our journey on earth. Unlike some traditions that focus on heaven, hell, or reincarnation, Sikhi emphasizes living a life of love and connection with the Divine.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
7
July
2025

What role does karma play in Sikhi?

In Sikhi, karma is the idea that our actions shape our outcomes. We need to learn to own our actions, and we need to make good mental decisions. If we are thinking clearly, our behaviors will be better.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
16
June
2025

What is the meaning of the Turban?

In this episode of Ask SikhRI, we go deeper into the meaning, the choice, and the everyday practice of wearing a turban.

watch now ⟶

Podcasts

Tuesday
,
21
February
2023

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 07: Creator Death

In this eighth podcast, Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s utterances on the Creator as Death, and the Guru’s guidance of considering IkOankar as the only Force of both coming and going, creation and death.

watch now ⟶
Tuesday
,
14
February
2023

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 06: Beloved Friend

In this seventh podcast, Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur discuss the popularly known composition uttered by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib in the forests of Machhiwara in late December.

watch now ⟶
Tuesday
,
7
February
2023

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 05: Creator Ruler

In this sixth podcast, Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s utterances on the Creator Ruler, and his guidance of considering IkOankar as the only true Ruler.

watch now ⟶
Tuesday
,
31
January
2023

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 04: Divine Protector

In this fifth podcast, Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s many invocations of divine names and attributes and their contexts in larger Indic systems.

watch now ⟶
Tuesday
,
24
January
2023

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 03: Mentor Specified

In this fourth podcast, Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur discuss what it means to attach to the feet of the Supreme Being, the poisons we are collecting, and the remembrance we are being asked to collect instead.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
16
January
2023

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 02: Yoga Disrupted

In this third podcast, Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore what it means to earn union in comparison to transactional relationships with the divine. 

watch now ⟶

Articles

Monday
,
10
April
2017

Without Nam Life is Pointless

In the poignant rag of Jaitsari, Guru Ramdas Sahib's Sabad unfolds as a heartfelt expression of dependence and an intense yearning for the divine presence.

This is some text inside of a div block.
Read more ⟶
Friday
,
14
April
2017

Nash Doctrine: Five Freedoms of Vaisakhi 1699

The initiation rites or ceremonies without a doctrine get reduced to mere meaningless rituals. Without the Nash doctrine, the Vaisakhi for the Sikhs can not be located as a transformative historical event.

This is some text inside of a div block.
Read more ⟶
Monday
,
17
April
2017

That Husband-Beloved’s Love

Explore the Sabad (Shabad) of Guru Arjan Sahib in Rag (raag) Asa from the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. Read the translation done by Harinder Singh and Inni Kaur. Listen to Inni Kaur’s reflection on this Sabad. 

This is some text inside of a div block.
Read more ⟶
Sunday
,
30
April
2017

Hari Singh ‘Nalua’

Hari Singh Nalua (popularly Nalwa) was the Commander-in-Chief of the Sikh Khalsa Army in the North West Frontier in the Kingdom of Panjab, ruled by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

This is some text inside of a div block.
Read more ⟶
Sunday
,
30
April
2017

Everywhere I Go, Bithal is Present

Delve into the Sabad (Shabad) of Bhagat Namdev in Rag (raag) Asa from the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. Read the translation done by Harinder Singh and Inni Kaur.

This is some text inside of a div block.
Read more ⟶
Sunday
,
30
April
2017

Whatever is Asked From the Ruler, That’s What is Given

In the melodic embrace of Dhanasari, a rag known for its cheerful disposition, Guru Arjan Sahib crafts a Sabad that resonates with spiritual depth and joy.

This is some text inside of a div block.
Read more ⟶

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.

Learn More ⟶