Growing up, I never would have imagined that I would one day give the opening address at SXSW. Back then, it was so hard for people like me to imagine belonging in spaces like this one.
To be invited on SXSW's biggest stage. To share my stories and learnings with thousands. And to receive so much love in return. It's all a dream come true. I'm so grateful for all of it. It's been such a magical week.
I shared stories of growing up in South Texas, the same area where we were all gathered. I shared the challenges and the difficulties, and as my parents taught me, I also focused on the positive and good. I shared that chardi kala (eternal optimism) is not about sugarcoating our hardships or ignoring our problems. It's about learning to see all the good that's around us too. It's an outlook that we can develop through a daily practice of noticing and gratitude.
Countless people have helped bring me to this moment, countless people continue to teach and shape me. I'm so grateful for all of the love and care and kindness you've brought into my life.
Such an honor to offer the Baccalaureate Address at Stanford University's Commencement this weekend.
I shared what I've learned from Sikh teachings: How a small shift in our perspective can help us see the good in one another—and that enables us to taste the sweetness of life.
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I met a few Sikh students after the program , and they shared how meaningful it was to hear Gurbani and Sikh wisdom shared from their school’s stage. Their reflection made me feel even more grateful for the chance to share some of what I’ve learned through trying to live as a Sikh, and how Sikh teachings have so much to offer us all.
Good news! I just learned that The Light We Give is now officially a National Bestseller!
It’s daunting to share your writing with the world. Who knows if people will like what you have to say? It’s even scarier to write about yourself and your perspectives. People can be harsh!
But the gift of sharing is knowing that what you offer might help others and that people might enjoy it, too.
Thanks to all of you for everything — for helping to shape me as a person and writer, for supporting the book by purchasing it, reviewing it, and spreading the word, and so so much more.
I feel blessed by so much in life already. And now this too. My gratitude for everything is overflowing. Thank you.
Excited to share our new book from Oxford University Press. The title is Modeling Religious Pluralism: Cultivating Religious Equity in Today’s World. The book emerges from our work at The Aspen Institute and features a number of leaders I’ve admired for years. Excited to share more about the as we approach the release date next month!
Simran Jeet Singh, professor at Union Theological Seminary and national bestselling author of “The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life” on why we need more scholars of religion:
“We need more religious studies scholars because every major conflict in the world today has a religious dimension — and you can’t solve what you don’t understand.
#TalkAboutHumanities
#religiousstudies #religion #sikhwisdom #humanities #highereducation #aar #acls
When Guru Gobind Singh Ji gathered Sikhs in Anandpur Sahib for Vaisakhi in 1699, he was also dealing with to oppressive political conditions. War, poverty, corruption, and hatred were rampant. Tyranny and injustice were all around him. The guru fought back against these, actively and tirelessly. Addressing injustice was a central focus of his leadership. But that’s not all he did. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was also a lover of life. He enjoyed art and music, and he was known to immerse himself in singing gurbani—even in the face of battle. He found occasions for joy, and family, and community, without ever turning away from the harsh realities of his time.
In a moment of extreme duress, when empire is thriving and people are suffering, it can feel easy to lose ourselves in despair. At times, I feel that pull, too. But this is not the way of Sikhi, and it’s not the way of Guru Gobind Singh. What we learn through their example—including through Vaisakhi—is that we always have agency. We can always create something new. And we can always push for positive change.
It may not be easy, and it may feel like the odds are against us, but this is precisely why it’s so important.
May we all live into this spirit. Vaisakhi diyaan vadhaaiyaan!
Vaisakhi diya vadhaiyan! Happy Vaisakhi! 🌾✨
Let’s celebrate a joyful season of harvest, new beginnings, and togetherness! 💛 Join in the fun with A Vaisakhi to Remember by award-winning author Simran Jeet Singh and illustrated by Japneet Kaur. This warm and uplifting picture book celebrates community and heritage as a young girl looks for points of connection in a new country through the joyous Sikh Spring harvest holiday of Vaisakhi. 📚 💛
Available now wherever books are sold or through the link in our bio! 📚✨
#Vaisakhi #AVaisakhiToRemember #SikhHeritage #springharvest #kidsbookstagram
I am grateful to have to have been invited by @sikhprof to write a chapter for #ModelingReligioudPluralism. I’ve written a chapter on religious pluralism internal to African American and the African Diasporic Communities. Please share this book 📕 with your fellow scholars and friends. The release dates are US paperback edition : May 19, 2026 (Release); June 2, 2026 (Publication)
UK hardback edition: June 2, 2026
UK paperback edition: August 19, 2026 l please preorder it at the following links /academic/product/modeling-religious-pluralism-9780197745816?cc=us&lang=en& or https://a.co/d/0fgyMDag
My filmmaker friend Jenn is a filmmaker and interfaith activist. She followed the journey of my other friend, former Buddhist monk Olivier Biraro who survived genocide, imprisonment, and exile—and now teaches practices that help transform pain into peace and power. It's an incredible story.
Check out their site to learn more, including how you can support: /
115 candles. 115 cheers. 115 reasons to KEEP GOING 🎉
April 1, 2026, would have been Fauja Singh’s 115th birthday. We are honoring the legendary runner who proved it’s never too late to chase your dreams, or sprint past them! 🏃♂️💨
Fauja Singh Keeps Going, by award-winning creators Simran Jeet Singh and Baljinder Kaur, is the inspiring true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon. The book shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community.
Available now wherever books are sold or through the link in our bio! 📚✨
#FaujaSinghKeepsGoing #KidsBookstagram #Sikh #RunningMotivation #reading
Starting today, I’ll be sharing ideas, resources, and simple ways to celebrate Vaisakhi with your kids!
First up: If you want your kids to understand the meaning behind the celebration, start with a book. I’m sharing my three favorites for the occasion.
📚 A Vaisakhi to Remember by @sikhprof - Beautiful illustrations and a wonderful story about finding community. Great for all ages.
📚 Vaisakhi by @paaraspress - I love the simplicity of this book that walks you through a day celebrating Vaisakhi. Perfect for younger kids.
📚 Let’s Celebrate Vaisakhi by @culturegroovekids - If you’re looking for a book that focuses on the cultural harvest celebration of Vaisakhi, this is the one. Colorful, fun, and great for a classroom read.
⭐️ Comment “book” and I’ll send you links to all three.
Stay tuned - I’ll be sharing more over the next two weeks as part of my Countdown to Vaisakhi with @ThatPunjabiMom .
Share this with friends who are celebrating and let me know if you have any other book suggestions!
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#vaisakhi2026 #vaisakhi #visakhi #baisakhi #sikhidaily
