The University of California, Santa Cruz is leading a new initiative to transform the global narrative around Sikhism through a research-driven digital project titled Sikhs in the 21st Century: Remembering the Past, Engaging the Future.
Headed by Distinguished Economics Professor Nirvikar Singh and housed at The Humanities Institute (THI), the project uses engaging, scholarly videos to revisit and reshape how Sikh and Punjabi Studies are approached, especially in a global and digital context.
The initiative challenges traditional academic narratives and seeks to correct oversimplifications or unsupported assumptions about Sikh history—often found in outdated scholarship. Singh, who previously held the Sarbjit Singh Aurora Chair in Sikh and Punjabi Studies, emphasizes the importance of asking foundational questions and reevaluating academic conventions.
Supported by THI’s inclusive mission along with backing from the 5Rivers Foundation, the UCSC Humanities Division, and the university’s Teaching and Learning Center, the project emphasizes accessibility—amplifying underrepresented voices, particularly emerging scholars and researchers from Punjab and beyond.
The multimedia content explores colonial legacies, the development of Sikh institutions, and the varied experiences of the global Sikh diaspora. More than just a correction of the historical record, the project aims to democratize knowledge, create a future digital archive, and foster broader understanding.
For Singh, who grew up in the Sikh tradition, this work is both scholarly and personal. “Real, nuanced, grounded understanding for everyone—that’s what this is about,” he says, highlighting the critical role humanities play in education and cultural awareness.
