TSR 2013 Sidak Scholarship

The Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) is a global nonprofit organization founded in 2003, and based in North America, dedicated to making the wisdom of the Guru Granth Sahib accessible and relevant worldwide. Grounded in the paradigm of IkOankar’s Nam (1Force’s Identification), SikhRI inspires individuals to connect deeply with their roots and supports organizations in embracing the Sikh ethos.

Our work centers on Gurmat-based learning, fostering internal growth within the Sikh community through dialogue, education, and critical engagement. Guided by the principles of excellence, integrity, and service, SikhRI creates spaces for development and reflection, with the aim of realizing each individual’s full human potential.

SikhRI’s core initiatives include:

• Educational Programs: We offer a diverse range of interactive content, including webinars, podcasts, workshops, online courses, and lectures, that cover spirituality, history, culture, politics, language, and personal growth.
• Publications: Our publications include textbooks, translations, anthologies, bilingual children’s books, and lesson plans.
• Sojhi Program: A K–12 curriculum initiative designed to help children develop Sikhi-based insights through engaging and age-appropriate resources.
• Sidak: Our flagship two-week immersive leadership program for Sikh young adults, combining Surat (awareness) and Ruh (spirit) to cultivate Guru-centered leadership.

Research & Thought Leadership:

SikhRI leads key global initiatives such as the State of the Panth Report series, which addresses critical issues facing the Sikh community with a focus on research, analysis, and solution-building.

Our most ambitious initiative, the Guru Granth Sahib Project, brings together an international team of scholars and specialists to provide:

• A literal translation
• An interpretive transcreation
• In-depth commentary
• Integration of musical, poetical, and historical dimensions

Each word of the Guru Granth Sahib is meticulously studied for etymology, grammar, and layered meanings. The result is a comprehensive resource in contemporary Panjabi and English, designed for global learners.

Exhibitions & Creative Collaborations:

SikhRI also brings Sikh art and literature into public view through high-impact exhibitions, including:

• Emperor-Prophet: Guru Gobind Singh Sahib (2016, Bihar Government in partnership with Panjab Digital Library)
• IN5 EXPERIUM – The Golden Temple (2019, Toronto, with PDA Trade Fairs Pvt Ltd)
• Guru Nanak Sahib: 1-Ness to 1-Identity (2020, National Museum of India, and later Melbourne, London, and San Francisco)

Policy & Global Engagement:

SikhRI offers Gurmat-based perspectives in public policy spaces through:

• Think tanks
• Editorials
• Government panels
• Dialogues with national and international institutions

Our insights aim to shape public opinion and inform policies impacting Sikh communities globally.

Sustainability & Leadership:

SikhRI is powered by a dedicated team of full-time staff, volunteers, and philanthropic supporters. Their collective passion ensures our offerings remain freely accessible, globally relevant, and deeply rooted in Sikh wisdom.

We deeply value the contributions of our leadership, whose vision and commitment guide us forward in achieving our mission. Alongside them, the devotion of staff, volunteers, and donors continues to make high-quality Sikh education possible for individuals around the world.

We remain grateful to the community that fuels this vision—and to every learner, donor, and collaborator who walks this journey with us.