The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform how the world understands Sikhism. Dubbed “Sikhs in the 21st Century: Remembering the Past, Engaging the Future,” the program—hosted by UCSC’s Humanities Institute—will harness digital storytelling and inclusive scholarship to present a richer, more multifaceted portrait of Sikh history, identity, and philosophy.
At the helm is Professor Nirvikar Singh, an Indian-origin economist and seasoned Sikh studies scholar. Singh, who formerly occupied the Sarbjit Singh Aurora Chair of Sikh and Punjabi Studies, emphasizes that many prevailing narratives about Sikhism remain tethered to colonial-era interpretations. “Our aim,” he explains, “is to reexamine inherited assumptions and open space for deeper, evidence-based engagement.”
Multimedia Meets Scholarship
Over the coming months, the initiative will roll out a series of multimedia pieces—short documentaries, interactive maps, archival photo essays, and more—that trace the evolution of Sikh institutions from their origins in the Punjab region to their global dispersal. Each installment will spotlight themes such as the impact of British colonial policies on Sikh communities, the development of the Khalsa order, and the ways in which diaspora populations negotiate faith and identity in a rapidly globalizing world.
Working closely with UCSC’s Teaching and Learning Centre, Singh’s team is intentionally recruiting voices that have often been sidelined in mainstream Western academia. “We’re inviting emerging scholars from Punjab and marginalized Sikh communities worldwide to lead projects, curate source materials, and share personal narratives,” says Singh. By foregrounding these perspectives, the program hopes to challenge one-dimensional portrayals and foster a dialogue that honors the community’s internal diversity.
Engaging Young Audiences
A central goal of “Sikhs in the 21st Century” is to engage younger generations—particularly Sikh youth both in India and abroad—who are navigating questions of heritage and belonging. To that end, all content will be optimized for social media platforms and accompanied by educational toolkits for high school and university classrooms. Archival visuals will be paired with contemporary interviews, while animated sequences will bring lesser-known historical episodes to life.
US-based Sikh scholar and author Simran Jeet Singh has already lauded the project for its “intellectual rigor and cultural sensitivity.” He observes: “This initiative does more than correct the historical record; it encourages both scholars and community members to see old stories in new ways, honoring the depth and diversity of Sikh heritage.”
Looking Ahead
As the first wave of digital content prepares to launch later this summer, UCSC anticipates partnerships with libraries, museums, and cultural centers around the globe. Plans are also underway for a traveling exhibition that will showcase multimedia installations in key diaspora hubs such as Vancouver, London, and Amritsar.
By marrying cutting-edge technology with collaborative scholarship, “Sikhs in the 21st Century: Remembering the Past, Engaging the Future” aspires not only to reshape global perceptions of Sikhism but also to empower Sikh communities to tell their own stories. Through this initiative, UCSC hopes to spark a more nuanced and inclusive conversation—one that does justice to the richness of Sikh history and the vibrancy of its living traditions.
