A SIGNIFICANT PLATFORM: As an author, speaker, and public activist, Simran Jeet Singh is well qualified both to tell his story and to explain Sikh wisdom to a wide audience. He’s adept at bridging the chasm between ideology and humanity and is equally at home in traditional media and on social media.



A NEW VOICE AND PERSPECTIVE: Singh is a skilled communicator and writer on the national stage who shines new light on how to live with meaning and joy. He draws his insights from Sikhism, one of the youngest of the world’s major religions and the fifth-largest organized religion in the world, with about 30 million followers. 

A BOOK TO SHARE: With its involving narrative, forthright tone, and powerful message, The Light We Give is a book that cries out to be shared and discussed with friends, family, and book clubs.

A BOOK ABOUT LIFE ISSUES: How we live and how we choose to live are more challenging today than ever. In prose that’s direct, moving, and human, Singh lays out what he’s learned from his Sikh teachings and how they’ve changed his outlook and attitude. It’s a transforming and powerful read.

Simran Jeet Singh, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of the Inclusive America Project at the Aspen Institute. He is an Equality Fellow with the Open Society Foundations, Senior Adviser on Equity and Inclusion for YSC Consulting, and a Visiting Professor at Union Seminary. He is a regular contributor to The Washington Post, CNN, and TIME Magazine and writes a monthly column for Religion News Service. The author of the bestselling children’s book Fauja Singh Keeps Going, he lives with his family in New York City.

Author Residence: New York City

Author Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Praise for The Light We Give:

“In this lucid blend of memoir and self-help, Singh…reflects on being Sikh in the U.S. and shares life lessons gleaned from Sikhism…Singh’s fleet-footed storytelling seamlessly moves between personal stories, Sikh theology and history, and thoughtful musings on what it means to live by a Sikh philosophy, adding up to an exemplary meditation on the faith. This has a lot to offer.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“The Light We Give is a refreshing look at how we can connect—and reconnect—with one another. Simran Jeet Singh’s moving story of growing up a turban-wearing Sikh American in South Texas draws from wisdom that all of us need as it charts a new way forward.” —R.C. Buford, CEO of the San Antonio Spurs

“Clever, informative, and very accessible, Singh’s first book for adults explores tenets of the Sikh faith and applies them to everyday life…he uses relatable humor and amusing anecdotes to connect with readers about his faith and show them how they, too, can apply it to their lives…Readers will come away from the book wanting to be better themselves and to work for positive change in the world.” —Booklist

“An accessible work that combines personal testimony of a fascinating and little-understood ethnic and religious minority in America…A worthwhile and readable introduction to Sikhi and a strong testament to peaceful living.” —Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW

“I’ve appreciated Simran’s writing for years now, and I really love this book. The Light We Give is a beautiful reflection of how so many Sikhs experience our world and what Sikh teachings have to offer all of us today. This is an essential book for people who care about kindness, justice, and living a good life.” —Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party

“Beautiful, profound, and above all transformative, The Light We Give is a book that will not only stay with you but change you. Through harrowing stories of personal experiences and a rarely seen exploration of the tenets of the Sikh faith, Simran Jeet Singh calls us to have empathy and love and to operate in them. This book couldn’t be more timely.” —Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give

“I love this book: The riveting story of Simran Jeet Singh’s life growing up as a Sikh kid in San Antonio with his brown skin and turban, written so beautifully, both somehow exciting and humble. It is rich in wisdom, religious and personal, and it is absolutely charming.” —Anne Lamott, author of Dusk, Night, Dawn, and Help, Thanks, Wow

“I found this book utterly fascinating. A compelling and enthralling introduction to Sikh traditions that will speak to people of every faith—and those who are looking for one.  In its own unique way it is an important contribution to interfaith relations in our country. “  —James Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray

“The Light We Give is an extraordinary book. With moral insight and an abiding commitment to make this world better one act at a time, Simran Singh pierces through the depressing noise of these dark days with a gentleness and care that soothes and inspires.  Sikh wisdom and love leap from every page.  After reading this book, I want to be better. I want to do better!” —Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., author of Begin Again