The Sikh Cast

2-time Sidaker Manmit Singh joins Jasleen Kaur to reflect on connection, community, and their deepening relationship with Asa ki Var, a guiding light through threads of hope and hopelessness. Sidak is a really beautiful experience, not to say that you won’t be challenged. But that’s the beauty of Sidak; it becomes a place that is insistent on the Sangat.

“If you are wanting to cultivate that insistence and practice that insistence, apply. Apply and come through, and know that you will not be alone.”

“1984 Lives in Me: 41 Years of Fire & Grace” is a poetic reflection on the enduring impact of the 1984 Ghallughara on Sikh spirit and memory. Blending mysticism, remembrance, and quiet resistance, the piece honors those who preserved sovereignty through silence, devotion, and truth. It does not dwell in sorrow—it rises in presence. It is not a commemoration of loss, but a sacred reawakening to what cannot be silenced, scorched, or forgotten.

In April, Indian National Congress (INC) party member Rahul Gandhi stopped at Brown University for a speaking engagement. During the Q&A, Sidak Alumni Gurpartap Singh asked him what the INC is doing to reconcile with the Sikhs, and their interaction went viral.

Join Gurpartap Singh, Harinder Singh, and Jasleen Kaur as they discuss Gurpartap’s reflections on his interaction with Gandhi. How can we understand the context Gurpartap centered in his questions? How does Gurpartap feel about Gandhi’s response? What would he like to see happen? And what does he hope we can all learn from this?

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SikhRI researcher, Jasleen Kaur discusses the value of Sidak with alumni, Poznma Kaur.

Sidak seeks to provide young Sikh adults with a gift of Gurmat-centered leadership learning experience to secure—and transform—the Sikh future.

Learn more about Sidak: https://social.sikhri.org/tsi-sidak

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In this contemplative reflection, Inni Kaur shares a deeply personal response to a Hukam from Guru Arjan Sahib. Interweaving the presence of Bhai Vir Singh Ji and the voice of a giani, she explores how shukrana (gratitude), simran (remembrance), and quiet presence awaken something within. This is a gentle invitation to return—to breath, to grace, to the Nam that stirs from within.

Listen as Inni Kaur takes you on a contemplative journey through the month of Vaisakh—a time of renewal, abundance, and quiet yearning.

Amid blooming fields and vibrant celebrations, the seeker feels the ache of separation and the slipping away of remembrance. Guided by the voices of Guru Nanak Sahib and Guru Arjan Sahib, this reflection explores a longing and awakening and the call of the Beloved—an invitation to turn inward, soften, and bloom.

In this podcast, SikhRI Research Associate Jasleen Kaur explores the impact of the Sidak leadership program with alum, Phera Singh.

Learn more about Sidak: https://social.sikhri.org/tsi-sidak

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In this podcast, SikhRI Research Associate Jasleen Kaur explores the impact of the Sidak leadership program with alum, Radhika Kaur.

Learn more about Sidak: https://social.sikhri.org/tsi-sidak

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SikhRI Research Associate, Jasleen Kaur discusses the value of Sidak with alumni, Gurpartap Singh.

Sidak offers young Sikh adults a Gurmat-centered leadership learning experience, empowering them to strengthen and shape the Sikh future.

Learn more about Sidak: https://social.sikhri.org/tsi-sidak

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In this podcast, Jasleen Kaur reflects on Guru Nanak Sahib’s sabad, exploring the question of what is genuine within us, and what elements of ego we must navigate.

Harinder Singh explores Bhai Vir Singh's unique framing of Sikh history at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, Delhi.

• How did Bhai Vir Singh perceive and narrate Sikh history?
• What lens did he use to contextualize Sikh history within Indic and Western frameworks?
• How does his understanding inspire contemporary interpretations of Sikh history?

Dive into the wisdom of Bhai Vir Singh and discover how his perspectives continue to shape the Sikh worldview.

This composition, aligned with the fifteen lunar days, follows Sukhmani Sahib in the Guru Granth Sahib. Though brief, it shares Sukhmani Sahib's simplicity and depth of message, making it a customary recitation after Sukhmani Sahib. The term ‘thiti’ is a variant of ‘tithi,’ a Sanskrit word that appears in the Guru Granth Sahib as ‘thiti,’ ‘thīti,’ or ‘thitī.’ Poetry inspired by the lunar calendar is referred to as ‘thiti.’ This poetic form reflects the lunar phases, created by the moon's waxing and waning.

Join host Santbir Singh as he delves into the profound impact of 1984 through the personal reflections of guest Pritpal Singh. In this intimate and moving conversation, Pritpal offers a rare, firsthand perspective on how the events of that year shaped the lives of countless Sikhs.

Moving beyond historical accounts, this episode brings listeners into the raw realities of 1984, offering younger diasporic audiences an emotional connection to a defining moment in Sikh history.

Prepare to be deeply moved by Pritpal’s story of resilience and the unbreakable spirit of the Sikh community.

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In Maru Kaphi, Guru Nanak Sahib reflects on the grief caused by separation from IkOankar, showing that even with worldly comforts, one remains unhappy without this connection. It emphasizes that the transient nature of worldly relationships and explains that eternal union with IkOankar can be achieved through the Guru’s wisdom.

In this Sabad, Bhagat Sain Ji sings the ‘Arti’ of the transcendent Supreme Being, IkOankar (the Divine). He emphasizes that the true 'Arti' of IkOankar is not a ritualistic act of adorning a platter with incense, lamps, and ghee. Instead, it lies in adoring and singing the praises of IkOankar. Through this, a seeker experiences bliss and fulfillment in life.

In this episode, we embark on a deeply personal and spiritual journey to Sri Harimandar Sahib, the Golden Temple, through the evocative words of Inni Kaur. With her vivid storytelling, Inni shares the emotional and transformative experience of her pilgrimage, where reflection, connection, and self-discovery come to life.

Immerse yourself in this moving narrative that invites you to feel the sacred energy and profound sense of belonging she encountered.

‘Pahare’ is considered to be a form of folk poetry in Panjabi. This poetic genre is based on the consciousness of time.

Examples of this poetic genre are found only in the Guru Granth Sahib. Dividing day and night into four quarters each and expressing one’s feelings through them is the classical basis of this poetic genre.

To liberate the commoner from the superstition of believing in the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of a time period and keeping in mind the importance of this unit of time in social life, the Gurus used this poetic genre to communicate their beliefs.

Guru Arjan Sahib’s Chaubole focuses on love, teaching that true devotion to IkOankar (the Divine) brings constant joy. A lover fully immersed in this love is ready to sacrifice everything for the Beloved. Their mind remains absorbed in the Divine, while those attached to worldly possessions and relationships remain unhappy, despite material comforts.

These four stanzas are four stages of a seeker’s union with IkOankar (the Divine).

They depict the seeker’s spiritual journey. These four stanzas are also sung when the Sikh bride and groom circumambulate four times around the Guru Granth Sahib to solemnize their wedding.

The term 'karhale' is derived from the Rajasthani and Sindhi word 'karhal,' which means camel.

Historically, traders loaded their goods on camels to sell in distant lands, enduring long, arduous journeys. To relieve fatigue and express their emotions, they sang songs called 'karhale' about the harsh desert climate and their separation from loved ones.

Over time, these songs evolved into a unique poetic form, depicting foreign lands and the challenges of wandering in separation from family.

Featuring: Muktnoor Kaur

Inni Kaur joins Sikh Heritage Month to discuss the deeper meaning of Anand Sahib by Guru Amardas Sahib.

While 'anand' translates to happiness and joy, its true meaning is more profound. The composition highlights that the eternal Wisdom (Guru) is the source of bliss, which can only be experienced through this Wisdom. It brings steadiness and discipline to the seeker's entire being, leading to a state of true bliss.

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The Guru Granth Sahib contains many Sabads related to the wedding ceremony, in which themes of happiness, blessings, and teachings are conveyed through vocabulary related to the wedding.

Some Sabads are read before the wedding ceremony and some during. Although no fixed protocol exists, these three Sabads are typically read or recited before the wedding ceremony.

Amrit Ceremony is a fundamental and an essential rite for a seeker to join the Khalsa Panth. Through this the seeker is given ‘amrit’ and the core principles and values of Sikhi are explained to them. It is a unique and meaningful life-changing experience for the seeker.

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Manvinder Kaur and Santbir Singh explore the events of 1984 that forever transformed the landscape of Sikh history and politics in India. They look at the June attack on the Harimandar Sahib Complex, followed by the devastating November pogroms, and then further examine the significance of these events in the broader context of Sikh-India relations.

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Santbir Singh delves into the complex and sometimes controversial legacy of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during the events of June 1984.

Utilizing  Sikh historical and political context, he explains the actions of the Sant and refutes the major criticisms of Bhindranwale's actions and choices.

In Vanjara, the seeker has been affectionately addressed as a merchant friend (vaṇjāriā mitrā). They have been made aware that they have come to this world to trade in the Nam. They are, therefore, instructed to engage in this true trade so that their face may be radiant in the court of IkOankar, and their cycle of birth and death may be ended.

Through vivid imagery and heartfelt verses, Inni Kaur revisits 1984, weaving threads of courage, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Join this lyrical exploration today.

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 uncover the man behind the myth and explore the true legacy of Sant Jarnail Singh.

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:

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 matters. Tune in to understand the lasting effects of these events and the power of honoring our shared memories.

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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 natural part of existence and remain immersed in IkOankar's presence, radiating love and joy.