The Sikh Cast

Inni Kaur is the Creative Director at the Sikh Research Institute, where she leads content, branding, and communications. A longtime contributor since 2009, she is also an author, poet, and artist whose work brings Sikh teachings into meaningful, accessible dialogue, rooted in reflection, creativity, and lived experience across diverse communities.

Vaisakhi invites us to reflect on what was given in 1699 and what it means today. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib called, only five stepped forward, embodying courage and surrender. Through their offering, a way of living was revealed—carried forward through sacrifice and resilience. At its heart is Anand, a deep connection known through the Guru and the Sabad. This Anand is not of the past; it is available now. Even when we drift, the Guru’s call remains. Vaisakhi becomes real when we live it—through courage, clarity, and love. May we remain connected, experience Anand, and walk this path with awareness.

Featuring:
Inni Kaur (https://sikhri.org/people/inni-kaur)

Sirdar Kapur Singh, one of the leading Sikh thinkers of the twentieth century, developed one of the clearest arguments for a Sikh homeland within postcolonial India.
Across speeches, interviews, and essays, he argued that such a homeland was inalienable from the Sikhs, historically inevitable, and politically necessary. His theory emerged from the violence and dislocations of the 1947 Partition and its long aftermath and was rooted in a deep understanding of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s vision of the Khalsa.

Read more: https://sikhri.org/articles/sirdar-kapur-singhs-idea-of-the-sikh-homeland

Featuring:
Damanpreet Singh (https://sikhri.org/people/damanpreet-singh)
Santbir Singh (https://sikhri.org/people/santbir-singh)

Explore Anjuli: ⁠https://gurugranthsahib.io/bani/ANJL
Explore Anjulia: ⁠⁠⁠https://gurugranthsahib.io/bani/ANJ

The word ‘anjuli’ refers to the gesture of cupping or folding the hands. It can signify prayer, supplication, seeking blessings, acceptance of the Divine will, or a gesture of salutation. In the Hindu tradition, a palmful of water offered to ancestors or deities is also called anjuli. The word ‘anjulia’ is the plural form of ‘anjuli.’
Featuring: Sukhmann Kaur (https://sikhri.org/people/sukhmann-kaur)

In this episode of the Sikh Cast, join Researchers Santbir Singh and Damanpreet Singh as they reflect on Vaisakhi and the principle of sovereignty. The two discuss Santbir Singh’s article, titled: Sovereignty in Motion: Sikh Governance Models.
Listen in as they explore Sikh sovereignty as it manifests in four political forms across the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and reflect on the way these examples and serve as multiple precedents for how the Panth has coordinated authority, disciplined power, and defended collective dignity.

Read more: https://sikhri.org/articles/sovereignty-in-motion-sikh-governance-models

Featuring:
Santbir Singh (https://sikhri.org/people/santbir-singh)
Damanpreet Singh (https://sikhri.org/people/damanpreet-singh)

Sidak alum Ikroop Singh chats with Sidak Facilitator, Jasleen Kaur and reflects on his past Sidak experience—from moving through initial discomfort to having deep conversations, forming meaningful bonds, and becoming more compassionate.
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

Featuring:
Jasleen Kaur (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)