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

Thursday
,
12
March
2026

Why weren’t there any more Gurus after Guru Gobind Singh Sahib?

In this episode of Ask SikhRI, we explore a question often asked in Sikh history and thought: Why weren’t there any more Gurus after Guru Gobind Singh Sahib?

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Friday
,
13
February
2026

Why is Amrit Vela an important time to contemplate the divine?

In this Ask SikhRI episode, we explore the literal meaning of Amrit (the immortal, beyond death) and Vela (time), and how this practice invites an intimate connection with the Divine.

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Wednesday
,
28
January
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

This video presents a rich and reflective book conversation on Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom, authored by Harinder Singh, marking the 350th anniversary of the Gurgaddi (Coronation) of the Tenth Guru.

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Wednesday
,
21
January
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

This video features a deeply reflective book conversation on Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom, authored by Harinder Singh, marking the 350th anniversary of the Gurgaddi (Coronation) of the Tenth Guru.

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Wednesday
,
24
December
2025

The Real Guru Teghbahadar Sahib

At a SikhRI fundraising gathering in British Columbia, Harinder Singh delivered a talk commemorating the 350th Shahidi Purab of Guru Teghbahadar Sahib, reflecting on the theme Wisdom, Courage, and Sovereignty.

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Tuesday
,
9
December
2025

Sikh Resilience & Remembrance in December

In this special BBC Radio London segment, host Shay Grewal speaks with Harinder Singh about why the month of December holds deep significance for Sikhs around the world.

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Podcasts

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.

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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. 

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Tuesday
,
10
January
2023

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 01: Renunciation Redefined

In this second podcast, 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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Wednesday
,
4
January
2023

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Introduction

Introducing Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 (Shabad Hazare Patshahi 10), new translations, and commentaries of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's composition. This podcast is an introduction to the series.

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Thursday
,
8
September
2022

1947: South Asia, Panjab & Sikhs

Several new South Asian nation-states were born as the British Raj ended in 1947.

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Thursday
,
12
May
2022

Vaisakhi: Reviving Panthic Leadership

The Khalsa inauguration on Vaisakhi day in 1699 infused the Sikhs and gave them a structure of ideas and institutions that continue to shape their lives both individually and collectively. We will discuss Panthic leadership through Sikhi ideals and historical models. We will also explore the current deficits in leadership and their code of conduct. How can Love-drenched & Wisdom-centered impetus revive organic leadership in the vicinity of ideals!

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Articles

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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Monday
,
12
June
2017

I Cannot Live Without All-Pervasive For Even a Moment or an Instant

Sabad is Infinite; we are very finite. This is our understanding at the moment, which was different yesterday and may evolve tomorrow, as we deepen our relationship with the Sabad.

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Presenting at Upcoming Events

Sat
,
Apr 18

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Tsai Auditorium S010, CGIS South Building

Join author Harinder Singh for a talk on Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom, exploring the idea of sovereignty that shaped the life and legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.

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Sat
,
Mar 28

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Copper Indian Cuisine

Join author Harinder Singh for a conversation on Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom.

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Sun
,
Apr 5

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

BMO Great Hall, VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre

This gathering invites seekers, thinkers, and readers to consider how the Guru’s sovereign spirit calls us to stand for universal justice and human dignity.

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