Inni Kaur

Creative Director

Inni Kaur is Creative Director at the Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI), where she leads content creation, branding, and external communications.

She has been deeply involved with SikhRI since 2009, having served as an Advisory Council Member, Board Member, Chair of the Board (2014–2016), Chief Executive Officer (2016–2019), and currently as Creative Director (2019–present).

A frequent speaker at community and interfaith gatherings—including engagements with the U.S. Office of the Pentagon Chaplain and several universities—Inni brings Sikh teachings into accessible dialogue with diverse audiences.

She is a passionate author, poet, and artist. Her published works include Journey with the Gurus, a children’s book series inspired by the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib, Sakhi-Time with Nani ji, Thank You, Vahiguru, Daddy’s Turban, The Story of Us, The Fragrance of Bhai Vir Singh, Resilient Roots: A Sikh Family’s Journey, and The Brave Nightingale and The Golden Temple.

Inni is deeply immersed in the transcreation of Sabad (Infinite Wisdom) and the writings of Bhai Vir Singh, infusing her work with reverence, clarity, and poetic insight. Inni’s writing is grounded in Sikh thought and inspired by the beauty of everyday moments—cloud-watching, mindful walks, and quiet reflection. She resides in the United States.

Videos

Tuesday
,
23
September
2014

Journey with the Gurus — Volume 3

This Sakhi is an excerpt from "Journey with the Gurus" volume 3 by Inni Kaur.

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Monday
,
13
January
2014

Journey with the Gurus — Volume 2

In "Journey with the Gurus" volume 2, the story of "Sajjan Transformed" is a re-telling of the encounter between Sajjan the thug and Guru Nanak. The presentation relies on easy to understand "child-friendly" English and a rich contemporary imagery to convey the message of change and service that lies at the heart of this Sakhee.

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Sunday
,
17
February
2013

Liv - All Rivers Are Sacred

Inni Kaur shares a saakhi from Journey With the Gurus Volume II. In "All Rivers are Sacred" we hear of Guruji's journey to Hardwar and his thoughtful conversations with the Pandits about their water rituals at the Ganga River.

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Friday
,
21
September
2012

Liv - Ik Chota First Sikh Books: Producing Quality Sikh Educational Resources for Children

Panelists: Inni Kaur, Jagdeep Singh, Navjot Kaur & Parveen Kaur Dhillon Moderator: Jasmine Kaur In light of the recent resources that have been developed for Sikh children and the growing strength of the movement to express the need for them in the community, SikhRI will host a panel discussion webinar with a handful of those whose creations for Sikh children have been widely influential in recent years. Developing these resources for the diasporic community comes with its own challenges and successes, and this forum will allow the authors and developers to share their own thought processes and the source of their creative passion. Ideas will also be presented for using these resources in the classroom and at home. During the Q&A, there will be time for the attendees to engage in dialogue about what other resources they see a need for.

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Saturday
,
23
July
2011

Liv - The Janeu Story by Inni Kaur

Join us as Inni Kaur takes us through Chapter 2 - The Janeu Story from Journey with the Gurus, a children's book about Guru Nanak Sahib. Bring your imagination, a blanket and a stuffed toy!

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Saturday
,
20
November
2010

Liv - Bebe Nanaki's Brother

Liv webinar especially for young children.

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Podcasts

Friday
,
26
February
2021

Ghazal Two, Divan-i-Goya | Bhai Nand Lal

Introducing Paigam-i-Goya: Expression of Love , new translations of a selection of ghazals from Bhai Nand Lal “Goya.” Today’s podcast begins with a recitation of Bhai Nand Lal’s ghazal in Persian, followed by a new English transcreation, the result of a unique collaboration between Dr. Fatima Fayyaz and Dr. Nadhra Khan of Lahore University of Management Sciences, Damanpreet Singh, writer, and graduate student, and Inni Kaur of SikhRI, followed by a discussion between Daman and Inni about the beauty of the ghazal and the transcreation process. Follow Damanpreet and Inni as they discuss their learnings and challenges while engaging with the words of Bhai Nand Lal. The unique and symbolic meanings that these ghazals reveal are a treat for those who yearn to get a glimpse into the court of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Author: Bhai Nand Lal “Goya” Collection: Divan-i-Goya Transcreators: Fatima Fayyaz, Inni Kaur, Nadhra Khan, and Damanpreet Singh Persian Narrator: Gholamhossein Sajadi English Narrator: Ryan Gillis Persian دین و دنیا در کمندِ‌ آن پری رخسارِ ما هر دو عالم قیمتِ یک تارِ موی یارِ‌ ما ما نمی آریم تاب غمزهٔ مژگانِ‌ او یک نگاهِ جان فزایش بس بود در کارِ ما گاه صوفی گاه زاهد گه قلندر می شود رنگ های مختلف دارد بت عیارِ ما قدرِ لعل او بجز عاشق نداند هیچ کس قیمتِ یاقوت داند چشمِ گوهربارِ ما هر نفس گویا به یادِ نرگسِ‌ مخمورِ او باده های شوق می نوشد دلِ هشیارِ ما English Translation My angel-faced Beloved holds the reins of the temporal and celestial worlds. These two worlds are worth just a single strand of my Beloved’s hair. We cannot bear the allure of that gaze. One rejuvenating glance would be enough for our lifetime. Sometimes a sūfī¹, sometimes a zāhid², at others a qalandar³; Our unfathomable Beloved has many tints and shades. Who, except the lover, would know the worth of [Beloved’s] red gems? But our eyes that shed pearls are aware of the value of rubies. In the memory of [Beloved’s] intoxicating eyes, Goya, with every breath; Our wakeful hearts sip on the nectar of longing.

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Friday
,
29
January
2021

Ghazal One, Divan-i-Goya | Bhai Nand Lal

Introducing Paigam-i-Goya: Expression of Love , new translations of a selection of ghazals from Bhai Nand Lal “Goya.” Today’s podcast begins with a recitation of Bhai Nand Lal’s ghazal in Persian, followed by a new English transcreation, the result of a unique collaboration between Dr. Fatima Fayyaz and Dr. Nadhra Khan of Lahore University of Management Sciences, Damanpreet Singh, writer, and graduate student, and Inni Kaur of SikhRI, followed by a discussion between Daman and Inni about the beauty of the ghazal and the transcreation process. Follow Damanpreet and Inni as they discuss their learnings and challenges while engaging with the words of Bhai Nand Lal. The unique and symbolic meanings that these ghazals reveal are a treat for those who yearn to get a glimpse into the court of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Author: Bhai Nand Lal “Goya” Collection: Divan-i-Goya Transcreators: Fatima Fayyaz, Inni Kaur, Nadhra Khan, and Damanpreet Singh Persian Narrator: Gholamhossein Sajadi English Narrator: Ryan Gillis Persian هوای بندگی آورد در وجود مرا وگرنه زوقِ چنین آمدن نبود مرا خوش است عمر که در یاد بگذرد ورنه چه حاصل است ازین گنبدِ کبود مرا در آن زمان که نیایی بیاد می میرم بغیر یادِ تو زیستن چه سود مرا فداست جان و دلِ من بخاک مردمِ پاک هر آن کس که بسوی تو ره نمود مرا نبود هیچ نشانها ز آسمان و زمین که شوقِ روی تو آورد در سجود مرا بغیر یادِ تو گویا نمی توانم زیست به سوی دوست رھایی دهند زود مرا English Translation I am brought into existence by the embrace of the winds of reverence-bondage. I would not have desired to come into this world, otherwise. Joyous is the life spent in Your remembrance, and if not: What else do I gain from this blue vault? I die when I do not remember You. Besides Your remembrance, what do I gain from living? I surrender my heart-mind to the dust of those pious beings Who guide me towards You. When there was no sign of the sky or earth, It was desire for Your face that brought me into prostration. Goya: I cannot live without remembering You. May I be freed quickly to meet the Beloved.

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Friday
,
11
December
2020

Stories That Transform Children

Listen to this webinar with social entrepreneur and children’s book author, Deanna Singh, writer, scholar, and activist, Simran Jeet Singh, and author, poet, and artist, Inni Kaur.

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Sunday
,
29
November
2020

The Lover & The Beloved

Separation is perhaps the most difficult human emotion that one experiences. Does separation turn into a “longing?” Does “longing” guide us to an awareness? An awareness that love is eternal, so there can never be a separation in love.

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Tuesday
,
5
September
2017

Body Limbs and Breath Feel Comfort

Through divine perception, the seeker beholds the All-Pervasive as the ultimate Sovereign, the Owner of all beings, and the Chief of creation.

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Monday
,
28
August
2017

My Mind Burns Deeply for All-Pervasive’s Experience

In the melodic strains of Rag Gond, Guru Ramdas Sahib's Sabad resonates with a triumphant yet humble spirit, reflecting a balanced perspective on spiritual attainment.

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Articles

Tuesday
,
29
October
2024

Guru Amardas Sahib: The Essence of Giving

This essay reflects on the sacred nature of giving, inspired by Guru Amardas Sahib's and Baba Mohri ji's narrative. It explores the importance of honoring the trust placed in us when we receive resources meant for the greater good.

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Tuesday
,
15
October
2024

Banda Singh Bahadar

Embark on the profound journey of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar, the guardian of Panjab's heritage.

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Monday
,
16
September
2024

From Humility to Divinity

In this reflective essay marking the 450th Coronation Anniversary of Guru Ramdas Sahib, we journey through the profound life of the Guru—from his humble beginnings in Chuna Mandi to his transformative role in Sikh history.

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Tuesday
,
25
June
2024

Legacy of 1984

Discover the essence of Sikhi in "Legacy of 1984: Rising Voices," a poetic tribute that delves into the indomitable spirit of Sikhs during tumultuous times.

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Tuesday
,
9
April
2024

Whispers of the Beloved

Whispers of the Beloved: Reflections in Spring is a poetic odyssey intertwining the beauty of nature's awakening with the seeker's quest for spiritual connection.

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Tuesday
,
27
February
2024

Paigham-i-Goya: An Expression of Love

In Bhai Nand Lal’s fifty-fifth ghazal, the recurring word dīdam (to perceive) reflects various modes of perception, from seeing to realizing. The ghazal opens with the Beloved revealed not externally but within the pupil of the poet’s own eyes...

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Presenting at Upcoming Events

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 ⟶