The Sikh Cast

Listen as Santbir Singh delves into an in-depth conversation with Harinder Singh about Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a pivotal figure in 20th-century Sikh history. Jarnail Singh played a significant role in the events leading up to the June 1984 Ghallughara. While celebrated by many in the Sikh community, he remains a contentious figure, often demonized by the media. This discussion aims to unc...

Santbir Singh joins Manvinder Kaur to discuss his recent article, “No More Blue Stars.” They delve into the evolving terminology surrounding the events of 1984 and explore ways the community can reclaim and reshape the narrative of these significant events. Featuring: Santbir Singh ( https://sikhri.org/people/santbir-singh ) Manvinder Kaur ( https://sikhri.org/people/manvinder-kaur ) #SikhGenocide...

Join us for a heartfelt conversation between Inni Kaur, SikhRI’s Creative Director, and Darsnoor Kaur, SikhRI’s graphic designer, as they explore the profound impact of June 1984, known as the Ghallughara or “Operation Blue Star.” In this emotional exchange, Darsnoor seeks Inni's reflections on this pivotal chapter in history, delving into the deep significance of remembrance and why it matter...

The Sikh funeral ceremony is crucial to Sikh culture as it emphasizes the belief in the impermanence of life, the significance of commemorating the departed with affection and admiration, and establishing a connection with IkOankar (the Divine). Death is essentially the end of human life; the rites and customs related to it are included in the funeral ceremony. The primary aim of this ceremony is...

Harinder Singh, Senior Fellow of Research and Policy at the Sikh Research Institute, delves deeper into the themes of Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention. April is recognized as Sikh Heritage Month in Canada and is also dedicated to these critical themes. He explores the intersection of these important topics.

Alahania, a sorrowful Punjabi folk song, emphasizes the belief in IkOankar, the all-powerful force behind existence. It reflects on the transient nature of life, where attachment to worldly things leads to suffering and perpetuates the cycle of birth and death. However, those who meditate on IkOankar's divine essence and follow the teachings of wisdom find liberation. They embrace death as a n...

Join Harinder Singh and Mo Dhaliwal as they delve into the profound experiences of the Third Ghallughara (large-scale massacre) in India in 1984 and beyond. This insightful conversation goes beyond mere recounting, aiming to illuminate diverse perspectives on Sikh history, politics, spirituality, and future aspirations. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion! Harinder Singh (http://sik...

Harinder Singh, Senior Fellow in Research and Policy at the Sikh Research Institute, speaks with Sukhman Singh, Co-Founder and Director of Ensaaf, delving into the occurrence, extent, and aftermath of the Sikh Genocide. Their dialogue seeks to illuminate the organized violence orchestrated by the Indian State against the Sikh community, resulting in numerous disappearances and extrajudicial killin...

Tune in to  Whispers of the Beloved: Reflections in Spring , a heartwarming podcast episode that intertwines the breathtaking beauty of nature’s rebirth with the seeker’s profound spiritual journey. Immerse yourself in the vivid imagery and contemplative verses inspired by the timeless wisdom of Guru Nanak Sahib. Join Inni Kaur on a poetic odyssey where each stanza echoes the eternal truth, guidin...

Alahania is a mournful or sorrowful Panjabi folk song. When a person dies, friends and relatives usually visit the deceased’s family to share their sorrow and memories of their loved one’s life and deeds. Expressing such feelings creates the core of the folk poetic form Alahani. The Alahania composition revealed by Guru Nanak Sahib redirects and transforms the sorrow and grief of death and separat...

Join Santbir Singh and Sean Holden as they delve deeper into the captivating saga of Rani Jind Kaur in the concluding episode of this podcast series. In this installment, the nefarious machinations of the British against Rani Jind Kaur are starkly exposed. Exiled and subjected to a reduction in her rightful share from the Panjab treasury, Rani Jind Kaur pens a poignant letter to the British repres...

Tune in to Santbir Singh and Sean Holden as they delve into the captivating tale of Rani Jind Kaur, the last queen of Panjab, in the inaugural episode of this podcast series. But why is it crucial for us to unravel her narrative? Understanding this epoch of Sikh history holds paramount significance, marking the advent of colonialism and its enduring impact on Sikh heritage. Rani Jind Kaur emerges...

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 grad...

Revealed to Baba Sundar, the great-grandson of Guru Amardas Sahib, Sadd holds great significance in the Sikh funeral ceremony and is recited during final rites. In this composition, Baba Sundar records the last instructions from Guru Amardas Sahib for the Sikhs to observe when the Guru departs. These instructions cover spiritual and social guidance, interwoven with a historical narration. 'Sad...

The date of Guru Nanak Sahib's birth is immaterial. Our focus needs to be on the Infinite Wisdom; that’s Prakash Purab. In Sikhi, it's not about the birth date; it’s about the profound ideas, and what we do with these ideas — the impacts they generate — are what truly matters. Featuring  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harinder Singh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ask a question today at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SikhRI.org/Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Last week, The Guru Granth Sahib Project launched the annotation of pauris thirty-one to forty of Anand Sahib by Guru Amardas Sahib (1479-1574 CE) in Rag Ramkali, a musical mode that evokes compassion. 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 congregational and pri...

In Sikh ideals, preference is not to use the term "God" as it often carries gendered imagery. Instead, we embrace ੴ pronounced as IkOankar, the genderless and transcendent Being. IkOankar is not just gender-neutral; it transcends gender. "Ik" signifies the 1, "Oankar" represents the creative and pervasive Force – so it’s the 1Force. Featuring  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harinder Singh⁠⁠...

The Guru Granth Sahib Project is pleased to launch the annotation of nine Sabads (Infinite-Wisdom) of Guru Teghbahadar Sahib in Rag Gauri. Gauri is a Rag (musical mode) of serious nature, which evokes a thoughtful and reflective mood. Explore Rag Gauri: http://bit.ly/Rag-Gauri Featuring Jasleen Kaur:  ⁠⁠ https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur

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 congregational and private ceremonies.  Explore Anand Sahib:  ⁠https://app.gurugranthsahib.io/bani/ASahib⁠ Featuring Inni Kaur:  ⁠http://sikhri.org/people/in...

"I think it matters because what is our indigenous term? And what is the term which those who were studying us in the last hundred years started calling us? Our native term is Sikhi. Sikhism is something which was born out of the study of religions. “-ism” also implies that there is not a unity of doctrine, that there is too much multiplicity." Featuring  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harinder Singh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ask...

When we look at the two meanings as they existed at the time (in Sanskrit and in Pali) and incorporate them into what we now call Sikhi, it actually means learners who are of the Guru. Guru is a mentor, Guru in Sikhi is Perfection. A Sikh then becomes someone who is modelling their life as the Gurus lived it on earth. Featuring  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harinder Singh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ask a question today at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SikhRI.org...

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 with us! Explore Anand Sahib:  https://app.gurugranthsahib.io/bani/ASahib Featuring Inni Kaur: http://sikhri.org/people/inni-kaur

Join us for an inspiring talk on the profound connection between personal Sikhi practice and our collective responsibilities in today's world. Listen as Harinder Singh sheds light on how Sikhi guides our individual lives and shapes a better society. https://sikhri.org/people/harinder-singh

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.  This composition underscores the pursuit of a blissful life through the Guru's wisdom, and the profound state achieved when connecting with IkOankar. In Sikh tradition, it's a pivotal text for concluding r...

The initiation of community development with Guru Nanak Sahib marked the introduction of protocols aimed at organizing and highlighting the essential roles of governance and unity in any community. Featuring  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harinder Singh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ask a question today at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SikhRI.org/Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠