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

Tuesday
,
22
February
2022

Beadbi: Distortions, Transgressions, Responses

Join Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as they discuss the larger Sikh context around beadbi as a political problem in need of a political solution. What is beadbi? How has it been dealt with historically? What are its Panthic and legal understandings?

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
31
January
2022

Dan: Sikhi & Giving

Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) has released its eighth report in the State of the Panth series titled Dan: Sikhi & Giving, exploring what it means to give in a Sikh context, how giving is understood throughout Sikh history.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
18
October
2021

Who is God to a Sikh?

Sikhs believe in the idea of IkOankar (1Force, Oneness, One Universal Integrative Force).

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
18
October
2021

Do Sikhs Fear God?

Transcending fear only comes when you have a loving relationship with IkOankar.

watch now ⟶
Sunday
,
26
September
2021

3Gs: Guru, Gurgaddi, Granth

In this conversation we spoke about the Sikh context of what Guru is, “Gurgaddi” as the enthronement to the status of the Guru in Sikh tradition, and how the eternal co-Guruship came about by the Command of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib to Granth-Panth.

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
12
August
2021

Session 1 - Introduction: 1Oankar & Nam

Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur cover the major Sikh principles and paradigms.

watch now ⟶

Podcasts

Wednesday
,
15
March
2017

Day and Night I Ask for Nam Within

This Sabad by Guru Ramdas Sahib within Rag Sorath encompasses a tapestry of emotions: seriousness, love, separation, longing, and detachment. Traditionally performed, it encapsulates a spectrum of human experiences.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
27
February
2017

I Have No Worthy Flower for the Incomparable

In this Sabad attributed to Bhagat Ravidas, a profound contemplation unfolds. This composition finds its musical foundation in Rag Gujri, an ancient melodic mode reserved for the early hours of the day, evoking a sense of serene awakening.

watch now ⟶
Sunday
,
29
January
2017

Slowly and Gently Rains the Immortal Stream

This composition by Guru Arjan Sahib is in Rag Majh. This rag (musical mode) evolved from the folk music of the Majha area of the Panjab. There is no reference to this rag in Indian music. It is only sung in Panjab and is in the Guru Granth Sahib.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
23
January
2017

My Mind Pines for Guru’s Vision

This composition by Guru Arjan Sahib is in Rag Majh. This rag (musical mode) evolved from the folk music of the Majha area of the Panjab. There is no reference to this rag in Indian music. It is only sung in Panjab and is in the Guru Granth Sahib.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
16
January
2017

My Sovereign is Dyed in Color-Love

This composition by Guru Nanak Sahib is in Rag Siri, an ancient musical mode sung at dusk. Its mood is majestic, reflective, and meditative. The reflection: The Creator is in the creation. Everything is brimming with love, operating in love.

watch now ⟶
Friday
,
12
February
2016

Sikh Cast Ep10 - Harinder Singh talks about Valentines Day, Love in Sikhi, Martyrdom

Harinder Singh talks about Valentine's Day, the concept of Love in Sikhi, Martyrdom, the Lovers of Punjab and more.

watch now ⟶

Articles

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 ⟶
Monday
,
8
May
2017

O! Divine! Glance at Me, Graciously Save Me

In the harmonious embrace of Dhanasari, a rag that resonates with happiness, Guru Arjan Sahib crafts a Sabad that delves into the profound aspects of spiritual realization and seeking divine refuge.

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

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

Presenting at Upcoming Events

Sat
,
Jul 12

Vanjara: From Worldly Trader to Spiritual Seeker

Khalsa School, Glen Rock Gurudwara

This presentation explores Guru Ramdas Sahib’s Vanjara, situating it within its cultural framework and lived experience. We will reflect on the composition's foundational themes and their relevance to our daily...

Learn More ⟶
Fri
,
Jul 18

Rediscovering Sikh Literature: Unearthed Wisdom

KPU Surrey; Cedar Conference Centre

Join Harinder Singh as we refamiliarize ourselves with historical texts, including primary and secondary texts that shape our understanding of Sikh thought and tradition.

Learn More ⟶
Sun
,
Jul 20

Sidak 2025

Khalsa Centre

Sidak is a transformative educational experience designed for young Sikh adults aged 18 to 39. It brings together seekers from all over the world to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.

Learn More ⟶