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
,
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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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...

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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

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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?

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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.

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Podcasts

Thursday
,
9
July
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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Thursday
,
28
May
2026

Sacrilege & Sovereignty

Join Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as they return to the question of ‘sacrilege,’ Sikh governance, and what it means when the state steps in to deal with matters over which Sikh institutions are meant to have authority.

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Thursday
,
21
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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Thursday
,
23
April
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Join Harinder Singh for a thoughtful and reflective conversation exploring Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom.

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Friday
,
20
February
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

Recorded in Chandigarh, the dialogue, featuring Harinder Singh — author, educator, and co-founder of SikhRI — and Journalist & Author Roopinder Singh, invites viewers to engage deeply with the life, vision, and the eternal wisdom of the Tenth Sovereign.

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Friday
,
6
February
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

A reflective book conversation on Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom, marking 350 years of Gurgaddi.

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Articles

Monday
,
4
December
2017

One Who Calls Oneself a Sikh of the Guru, Rises at Dawn, Contemplates on All-Pervasive Nam

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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Monday
,
11
December
2017

Ignorance-era is the Carafe

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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Sunday
,
17
December
2017

Enticer Enticed My Mind

Guru Nanak Sahib's Sabad, set in the serene and simple Sarang Rag, beautifully captures the essence of devotion and spiritual surrender amidst the oppressive heat of a summer afternoon. Sarang, associated with the late afternoon when the...

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Thursday
,
3
May
2018

Sikh Nation’s Sovereign: Jassa Singh Ahluvalia

Why do the Sikhs need to know about Jassa Singh? How does one prepare to lead the Sikh nation while witnessing multiple genocidal campaigns? What are the traits of Sikh leadership?

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Thursday
,
21
February
2019

Reflect on the Truth and the Contentment

Guru Arjan Sahib’s Mundavani (seal) serves as a closing testament to the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, offering a metaphor that encapsulates the essence of spiritual wisdom.

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Thursday
,
21
February
2019

Creator Administers Complete Justice

This Sabad, composed by Guru Arjan Sahib in the Gauri rag conveys the deep anguish of separation but also the enduring hope that sustains the seeker.

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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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