Program Areas
At Harvard Sikh Center, we empower Sikh youth with leadership training, educational resources, and mentorship to deepen their appreciation for Sikh traditions and achieve academic and professional success.
Sikh Chaplaincy
at Harvard University
Empowering Harvard Sikhs: Fostering faith, tradition, and history.
"Sikh Mentors" Network
Connecting Sikh youth with Sikh mentors to excel in college and career. We are looking for volunteers and funders to help run this platform.
Sikh Leadership Retreat and Conferences
Insightful discussions on identity, politics, and religion, while networking with fellow Sikhs. Past representation from Harvard, Brown, Northeastern and Brandies.
Academic Research and Publications
Research on and publication of important Sikh texts. The preparation of the first critical edition of the Ẓafarnāmah, based on 42 manuscripts, is currently underway.
Sikh Curriculum for Khalsa Schools
Creating curriculum to teach Sikh history to Middle and High School students across the globe. Get in touch if you would like to volunteer or fund this initiative.
Establishing a
Sikh Chair at Harvard University
Currently Sikhism is not taught at Harvard. We are seeking a philanthropist to fund a permanent Sikh chair at Harvard, honoring the memory of a loved one. This initiative offers a meaningful way to contribute to the preservation and advancement of Sikh studies.
About us
Harvard Sikh Center
Founded by Dr. Harpreet Singh, Harvard Sikh Center’s mission is to inspire leadership and love for Sikh heritage among Sikh youth. We are committed to advancing their potential through leadership development, online course curriculum and scholarly resources, fostering a deep appreciation for Sikh scripture tradition and historical sources. As a think tank dedicated to Sikh progress and enlightenment, we provide thoughtful leadership and critical educational tools. Additionally, our “Sikh Mentors” expert network plays a crucial role in guiding Sikh youth towards academic excellence and career success, offering personalized advice and insights from seasoned professionals in various fields.
Harvard Sikh Center is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and unaffiliated with Harvard University. It is modeled after peer organizations such as Harvard Catholic Center and Harvard Chabad.
The Persian text on our seal
دیگ و تیغ و فتح و نصرت بیدرنگ یافت از نانک گورو گوبند سنگه
ਦੇਗੋ ਤੇਗ਼ੋ ਫ਼ਤਿਹੋ ਨੁਸਰਤ ਬੇਦਰੰਗ ਯਾਫ਼ਤ ਅਜ਼ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ
“The cauldron to nourish the needy and the sword to defend the oppressed, along with victory and steadfast support, have been granted by Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh.”
The inscription on our Center’s seal comes from the political seal of the first Sikh state, established by Banda Singh Bahadur in 1710.
This emblematic verse encapsulates the core principles of Sikh governance, drawing on the profound legacies of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh. The “kettle” or deg (دیگ) represents a commitment to service, going beyond merely providing food through community kitchens or langars. It symbolizes a broader engagement with the disenfranchised through diverse social programs that include education, medical care, and shelter, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to uplift all segments of society.
The “sword” or tegh (تیغ) symbolizes not only the duty to protect the weak but also the imperative for Sikhs to remain active participants in the political process. It reflects the sovereignty of the Khalsa, a transformation of the Sikh community into saint-soldiers established by Guru Gobind Singh, emphasizing that political influence must be wielded to create systems of governance that champion justice and societal uplift.
“Victory and unwavering support,” fatih-o nusrat bedarang (فتح و نصرت بیدرنگ) underscores both the spiritual and temporal dimensions of the Sikhs’ struggle for sovereignty and justice. This phrase highlights that true victory enables Sikhs to enact positive change, blending spiritual guidance with practical governance.
The integration of the “kettle” (deg) and the “sword” (tegh) is informed by the Sikh Doctrine of Double Sovereignty (mīrī-pīrī), which advocates a holistic approach to leadership and authority. This doctrine asserts that the moral and ethical imperatives of spirituality are essential to the legitimacy of temporal power, providing a unique perspective in the broader discourse on sovereignty. Sikh political philosophy thus argues that true authority must be firmly grounded in ethical and moral principles to ensure justice and righteousness in governance, thereby creating a sustainable and equitable society.
Opportunities for you
Volunteer or intern with us
We are looking for interns in four areas
Sikh History Research for Course Development
Join our Sik curriculum development team focusing on developing online course content for middle and high school students in Khalsa schools.
Sikh Mentors Platform Operations
If you are looking for technology startup experience, our Sikh Mentors platform can provide valuable experience. Help grow the platform by recruiting mentors and running the platform.
Marketing Operations and IT Support
Build the social media presence of Harvard Sikh Center and its program areas such as the Sikh Mentors. Or play a role in maintaining the web presence of our online properties.
Fundraising and Donor Relations
Support our fundraising strategy by performing outreach to foundations and donors.
We'd love to hear from you!
Join us as a volunteer or support the Harvard Sikh Center financially.
ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥
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