Inni Kaur

Creative Director

Inni Kaur is Creative Director at the Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI). She has served SikhRI in several capacities since 2010, including Chair of the Board, and most recently as CEO. 

She is a frequent speaker at community and interfaith events, the U.S. Office of the Pentagon Chaplin, and several universities. 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, and The Story of Us.

She is passionately involved in transcreating Sabad (Infinite-Wisdom) and the writings of Bhai Vir Singh.

To Inni, every single day is a celebration. Her writing is inspired by that same outlook on life, as well as Sikh thought. While she writes anytime the spirit moves her, she thoroughly enjoys watching the clouds pass her, taking long mindful walks to appreciate nature’s innate beauty, and painting abstract artwork.

Inni Kaur resides with her family in the United States.

Videos

Sunday
,
30
June
2024

None Compares to You!

In this video Inni Kaur shares her profoundly personal and spiritual journey to Sri Harimandar Sahib.

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Thursday
,
4
April
2024

Countdown to Vaisakhi 2024: Inni Kaur

Inni Kaur, Creative Director at Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI), shares her thoughts on what she has been contemplating on this Vaisakhi.

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Thursday
,
18
January
2024

Explore Anand Sahib (Stanzas 31-40)

This composition explores the idea of bliss and how to achieve it. In the Sikh tradition, Anand Sahib is of such great significance that the entire composition or a portion (first five pauris and last pauri) is recited or sung to conclude all...

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Thursday
,
21
December
2023

Explore Anand Sahib (Stanzas 21-30)

This composition explores the idea of bliss and how to achieve it. In the Sikh tradition, Anand Sahib is of such great significance that the entire composition or a portion (first five pauris and last pauri) is recited or sung to conclude...

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Thursday
,
23
November
2023

Explore Anand Sahib (Stanzas 11-20)

Stanzas eleven to twenty of Anand Sahib by Guru Amardas Sahib delve into the pursuit of bliss, a concept of great significance in the Sikh tradition. Discover the joy within and experience the resonance of Rag Ramkali. Embrace the journey towards bliss...

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Thursday
,
26
October
2023

Explore Anand Sahib (Stanzas 1-10)

Delve into the profound wisdom behind the word 'anand,' as the Guru emphasizes that genuine bliss originates from eternal Wisdom, guiding seekers toward a joyful transformation.

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Podcasts

Thursday
,
15
July
2021

Episode 9: Vahiguru Is Everywhere

The next sakhi takes us to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Around the year 1525, Guru ji and Bhai Mardana arrived in Mecca. Guru ji’s interaction with the qazi (a Muslim scholar) was very shaky at first because the qazi thought Guru ji was disrespectful.

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Thursday
,
1
July
2021

Episode 8: Protecting the Rights of Others

Vahiguru exists in everyone – even in those who don’t embody what Guru ji stood for. Surprisingly, mean people also have Vahiguru in them; they just have forgotten that. All they need is a special reminder from a place of love that Vahiguru is in them.

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Monday
,
28
June
2021

Ghazal Twenty-Five, Divan-i-Goya | Bhai Nand Lal

Follow Damanpreet and Inni as they discuss their learnings and challenges while engaging with the words of Bhai Nand Lal.

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Friday
,
4
June
2021

Guru Teghbahadar Sahib Voices: O Mind! Transcend - Inni Kaur | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Journey with Inni Kaur as she shares her learnings from the three Sabads of Guru Teghbahadar Sahib in Rag Devgandhari through Bhai Vir Singh’s expositions. Transcendence lies not in the wishful disappearance of opposition from without but in the resolution within to disregard and rise above it. How do we rise from the fragmented universe of our fears? How do we rejuvenate from within to attain the fullest human stature? 

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Thursday
,
27
May
2021

Episode 7: Remembering Vahiguru’s Beautiful Creation

The next sakhi in our series takes us to the town of Puri, in India. The Mayor of the town invited Guru ji and Bhai Mardana to listen to Aarti , a special prayer performed by the priests. Guru ji happily accepted.

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Wednesday
,
19
May
2021

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

Introducing Paigham-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 امشب به تماشای رخ یار توان رفت سوی بتِ عاشق کشِ عیار توان رفت در کوچه عشق ارچه محال است رسیدن منصور صفت با قدم دار توان رفت ای دل به سوی مدرسه گر میل نداری! باری به سوی خانه خمار توان رفت چون خاطرم از عشق تو شد رشکِ گلستان بیهوده چرا جانب گلزار توان رفت ای دل چو شدی واقف اسرار الهی در سینه ام ای مخزنِ اسرار توان رفت صد روضه رضوان است چو در خانه شگفته گویا به چه سوی در و دیوار توان رفت English Translation Tonight one may proceed to gaze upon the Beloved’s face, Towards the one who is mysteriously merciless towards the lover. Although it is impossible to arrive at the lane of love, One may walk towards the gallows in the footsteps of Mansur. Oh heart, if you don’t desire to go to a seminary, You may proceed towards a wine-house once. As your love has made my imagination the envy of a blooming garden, Why may one proceed towards the garden then? Oh heart, since you are aware of divine secrets, I can proceed within myself, oh treasure of secrets. A hundred paradisiacal gardens have bloomed in the house. Goya: why should one proceed elsewhere?

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Articles

Friday
,
22
November
2024

Mata Gujri: The Eternal Matriarch of Sikh Valor and Grace

This essay encapsulates the extraordinary journey of Mata Gujri ji, a beacon of courage, faith, and sacrifice. As the wife of Guru Teghbahadar Sahib and the grandmother of the Sahibzadeys, her steadfast devotion illuminated Sikh history.

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Tuesday
,
5
November
2024

Echoes of 1984

This interview delves into the profound reflections of author Ajeet Cour, a witness to both the 1947 Partition and the 1984 Ghallughara, and her daughter, artist Arpana Caur.

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Thursday
,
31
October
2024

In Memory & Resolve

“In Memory & Resolve” reflects on the layered significance of October 31st for Sikhs, honoring both Bandi Chor Divas—a celebration of liberation—and the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide.

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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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Presenting at Upcoming Events

Inni Kaur
 is not presenting at any upcoming events as of yet. Explore our upcoming events.