Welcome to the

Vancouver Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies

Upcoming Courses

Image description

ਖ਼ਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ: ਸਿਧਾਂਤ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਹਾਰ

Lecturer: Prabhsharandeep Singh

spring 2025

Start Date: Sat 4 January 2025

Time: Saturday 10 AM - 1 PM PST

ਖ਼ਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ ਦਾ ਮੁੱਦਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਸੁਆਲਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜਨਮ ਦਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਕੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਧਰਮ ਦੇ ਆਧਾਰ ‘ਤੇ ਮੁਲਕ ਮੰਗਣ ਦਾ ਹੱਕ ਹੈ? ਸਿੱਖ ਮਹਿਜ਼ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਾ ਹਨ ਜਾਂ ਵੱਖਰੀ ਕੌਮ? ਸਿੱਖ ਕੌਮ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਪੰਥ? ਜੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਵੱਖਰੀ ਕੌਮ ਨਹੀਂ ਤਾਂ ਉਹ ਕਿਹੜੀ ਕੌਮ ਦਾ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਹਨ, ਹਿੰਦੂਆਂ ਦਾ ਜਾਂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨਾਂ ਦਾ? ਜੇ ਸਿੱਖ, ਹਿੰਦੂ, ਅਤੇ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ਸਾਰੇ ਹੀ ਸਾਂਝੀ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸੱਭਿਆਚਾਰਕ ਪਛਾਣ ਰੱਖਦੇ ਹਨ ਤਾਂ ਹਿੰਦੂਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਅਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀਅਤ ਨਾਲ਼ ਕੀ ਨਾਤਾ ਹੈ? ਕੀ ਵਜ੍ਹਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਤੋਂ ਦੂਰ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ?  ਸਿੱਖ ਪਛਾਣ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੀ ਬੁਨਿਆਦਾਂ ਹਨ? ਜੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਧਰਮ ਸਿੱਖ ਪਛਾਣ ਦੀ ਬੁਨਿਆਦ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਧਰਮ ਦੀ ਸਿੱਖ ਪਰਿਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਕੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਦਾ ਪੱਛਮੀ, ਹਿੰਦੂ, ਅਤੇ ਇਸਲਾਮੀ ਪਰਿਭਾਸ਼ਾਵਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਕੀ ਫ਼ਰਕ ਹੈ? ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦਾ ਵੱਖਰੀ ਕੌਮ ਹੋਣ ਦਾ ਦਾਅਵਾ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਦਾ ਅਨੁਸਾਰੀ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਇਸ ਦੀ ਜੜ੍ਹ ਬਸਤੀਵਾਦੀ ਆਧੁਨਿਕਤਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ? ਕੀ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਰਾਜ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਹੱਕ ਹੈ? ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੇ ਰਾਜ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਦਾਅਵੇ ਦਾ ਆਧਾਰ ਕੀ ਹੈ, ਇਸ ਦੀ ਮਨੁੱਖਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਕੀ ਦੇਣ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ, ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਦਾ ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦੇ ਭਲੇ ਦੀ ਭਾਵਨਾ ਨਾਲ਼ ਕੀ ਸਬੰਧ ਹੈ? ਇਸ ਕੋਰਸ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਅਸੀਂ ਖ਼ਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ ਦੇ ਆਸ਼ੇ ਦੇ ਅਧਾਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਬਹੁਪੱਖੀ ਪੜਚੋਲ ਕਰਾਂਗੇ। ਇਹ ਕੋਰਸ ਨੇਸ਼ਨ-ਸਟੇਟ ਦੇ ਖ਼ਿਆਲ ਦੀਆਂ ਫ਼ਲਸਫ਼ਾਨਾ ਬੁਨਿਆਦਾਂ ਦੇ ਆਲੋਚਨਾਤਮਿਕ ਅਧਿਐਨ ਤੋਂ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਹੋ ਕੇ ਇਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਿੱਖ ਦੇਣ ਦੀ ਅਹਿਮੀਅਤ ਬਾਰੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ-ਚਰਚਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਉਪਰਾਲਾ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ। 

A Psycho-Spiritual History of Panjab - ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦਾ ਮਨੋ-ਆਤਮਿਕ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ)

Prabhsharanbir Singh

"ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਖਿੱਤੇ ਯਾਂ ਕੌਮ ਦੀ ਮਾਨਸਿਕਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਜਣ ਲਈ ਓਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਸਦੀਆਂ ਪਿਛਲੇ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਸਮਜਨਾ ਪੈਂਦਾ। ਕਾਫੀ ਸਾਲਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਪੜ ਕੇ ਸਮਜਣ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ ਕਰੀਦੀ ਸੀ ਕਿਉ ਸਾਡੇ ਨਾਲ ਇਹ ਸਭ ਹੋਇਆ, ਇਹਨੀਂ ਕੁਰਬਾਨੀ ਕਰਕੇ ਵੀ ਹਜੇ ਤਕ ਕੌਮ ਦਾ ਕੁਝ ਨੀ ਬਣ ਰਿਹਾ। ਇਸ ਕੋਰਸ ਨਾਲ ਇੱਕ ਨਵਾਂ ਨਜ਼ਰੀਆ ਮਿਲਿਆ, ਹਰ ਗੱਲ ਜੋਰ ਦੇ ਸਿਰ ਤੇ ਵੀ ਨੀ ਹੁੰਦੀ, ਹੋਰਨਾਂ ਕੌਮਾਂ ਵਾਂਗੂੰ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਨੁ ਵੀ ਅਪਣਾ ਲੋੜ ਤੋ ਵੱਧ ਨਰਮਾਈ ਤੇ ਭੋਲਾਪਨ ਛਡ ਨਾ ਪਾਉ, ਅਪਣਾ ਇੱਕ narrative ਰੱਖਣਾ ਤੇ ਤੀਖਣ ਬੁੱਧੀ ਰੱਖਕੇ ਅੱਗੇ ਨੂੰ ਚਲਣਾ ਪੈਣਾ। ਕੋਰਸ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋਣ ਨਾਲ਼ ਸਮਜਣ ਵਿਚ ਬਹੁਤ ਜਾਦਾ ਮਦਦ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ। ਬਾਕੀ ਪ੍ਰੋਫ. ਜੀ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਨਾਲ ਵੀ ਜੁੜੇ ਹੋਣ ਕਰਕੇ ਓਹਨਾ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਕਰਦੇ ਨੇ। ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਓਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਲੰਮੀ ਤੇ ਸਫ਼ਤਾਪੂਰਵਕ ਜਿੰਦਗੀ ਬਖਸ਼ਣ। ਇੰਝ ਹੀ ਇਹ ਕੋਰਸ ਚਲਦੇ ਰਹਿਣ ਤੇ ਸੰਗਤ ਲਾਹਾ ਲੈਂਦੀ ਰਹੇ।"
Gurpreet Singh, 12 Apr 2024
"This course was an extraordinary and truly amazing experience for me. Which has provided me with a unique and an interdisciplinary perspective that covered 5000 years of Punjab’s rich history starting from Indus Valley Civilisation to contemporary times. Most importantly covering events like Alexander’s invasion, The emergence of Sikhi, Partition , aftermath of Partition , Critical event of 1984 and thereafter to resurrection. The course shed a light on Who we are ? How are we shaped? by our history- like repetitions of actions and decision- making that reflected back to influences from history , which had played a great deal in formation of our collective psyche. In conclusion, this course has greatly enhanced my understanding of the Punjab crisis, its survival and the way forward. This course is highly recommended for those who are interested in understanding the Punjab struggle for its survival and its way forward . I sincerely want to thank Dr. Prabhsharabir Singh for bringing this interdisciplinary approach with his extensive knowledge, experience and research capabilities. I don’t think one would be able to find this course , its content and teaching method even at the top institutions of the world. Last but not least this is an valuable and excellent opportunity for those who due to constraints of time and space couldn’t afford; and avail a taste and experience of academic scholarship. They don’t need to look anywhere else. This is the right opportunity, guidance and place for them."
Navpreet Singh, 15 Apr 2024
"It gives a lens to see the forces that drive us as community. Which is crucial for breaking the cycle of suffering and move in right direction."
Pushpinder Singh, 12 Apr 2024
"What an amazing experience this course has been! It’s saddens me how school education system failed to address the traumas, the tragedies, the glories and the stories of the Panjab from 5000 years. In this course, we indulged into deep discussion about historical events (wars, defeats ,genocides and invasions etc) that happened on our land and how they were a contributing factor in the current state of the Panjab . This course made me rethink about certain aspects of the state of Panjab and how some events could have been and still can be avoided with diligent thinking. ਕਿੱਥੇ ਸੀ ਤੇ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਆ ਡਿਗੇ ਕੌਣ ਗੱਲ ਕਰੇ ਕਿਰਦਾਰਾਂ ਦੀ। ਵਗਦੀ ਤੇਗ਼ ਸੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੈਦਾਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਗੱਲ ਹੋਵੇ ਜੇ ਮਿਸਲ ਸਰਦਾਰਾਂ ਦੀ॥ ਮਾਰੀਏ ਨਿਗ੍ਹਾ ਜੇ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਦੇ ਪੰਨਿਆਂ ਤੇ ਰਾਜ ਨਈ ਕੋਈ ਖ਼ਾਲਸੇ ਦੇ ਰਾਜ ਵਰਗਾ। ਝੁਲਿਆਂ ਪਰਚਮ ਅਫ਼ਗਾਨ ਦੀ ਹਿੱਕ ਉੱਤੇ ਜਰਨੈਲ ਨਈ ਕੋਈ ਨਲੂਏ ਸਰਦਾਰ ਵਰਗਾ॥ ਭੁੱਲ ਬੈਠੇਂ ਹਾਂ ਫੂਲਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਸ਼ਹੀਦੀ ਪਾਈ ਸੋਦ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਸੂਰੇ। ਲਾੜੀ ਮੌਤ ਨੂੰ ਹੱਸ ਕੇ ਗਲ ਲਾਇਆ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਦੇ ਬਚਨ ਪੂਰੇ॥ ਹਿੱਕਾਂ ਡਾਈਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੇਦਾਨ ਸਿੰਘਾ ਛੁਰੇ ਪਿੱਠ ਚ ਖੁੱਬੇ ਨਾ ਵਖਾਈ ਦਿੱਤੇ। ਬੈਠ ਬੁੱਕਲ ਚ ਡੋਗਰਿਆਂ ਡੰਗ ਮਾਰੇ ਹੀਰੇ ਮੌਤ ਦੇ ਘਾਟ ਉਤਾਰ ਦਿੱਤੇ॥ ਛੱਡ ਮੋਹ ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ ਦਾ ਘਰ ਆਏ ਗਦਰੀ ਮੱਥਾ ਜ਼ੁਲਮ ਨਾਲ ਲਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਕਰ ਤਿਆਰੀ। ਬਿਪਰਵਾਦ ਦੀ ਕੋਜੀ ਚਾਲ ਸੱਦਕਾ ਗੁਲਾਮੀ ਇੱਕ ਤੋਂ ਦੂਜੀ ਦਾ ਸਫ਼ਰ ਜਾਰੀ॥ -ਪਰਮਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ"
Paramjit Singh, 14 Apr 2024
"This course on the Psycho-Spiritual history of Punjab was an incredible journey of self-discovery and reflection, retrospection and resilience. Each moment felt like a step closer to understanding not just the history, but also myself. Exploring the major historical setbacks or the defeats of Sikhs was emotional and at the same time thought-provoking, sparking new questions and directions for further study & research. Huge gratitude to our wonderful mentor Bhaji for being such an inspiration throughout. Three hours flew by like mere minutes, and I wholeheartedly recommend this enriching experience to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Punjab's history and spiritual journey. It will be life changing of course."
Kulwinder Kaur, 13 Apr 2024
"The course gives us a unique vision of study history in general and Punjab history in particular. Personally, the crucial outcome of the course is able to see the gaps in Sikh history and learn how to approach them, which has a potential to change our destiny as a community in long run."
Ravinder Singh, 12 Apr 2024
"This course is a must for all those seeking to learn about the rich culture and heritage of Punjab. It goes beyond the traditional method of narrating history by eloquently exploring not only the sequence of events but also delving into the underlying reasons 'why' they occurred in the first place. The course endeavors to delve deep into the intricacies of each event, utilizing both primary and secondary sources. What sets this course apart is its avoidance of unnecessary Marxist or Nationalist approaches, which are often prevalent in Sikh history writing. Instead, it highlights the true spirit of Sikhi."
Tanveer Singh, 15 Apr 2024
>

Understanding Modernity

Prabhsharanbir Singh

"These courses are very helpful for me to understand the basics of Modernity and exploring connections between religion and culture from a completely different perspective. The courses were well designed and mode of teaching by both professors was very unique especially the critical discussion. Looking forward to take more courses!"
Maninderjeet Singh, 20 Nov 2023
"A great platform for Sikhs has been commenced by organizing these courses; personally, I feel this was much needed. The course content was specified and organized really well. Students who really want to critically analyze modernity and understand its roots should engage in this course. I am looking forward to further courses. Specifically, Punjab History for the 2024 January intake."
Lovepreet Singh, 03 Nov 2023
"Understanding Modernity is one of the most informative and eye opening courses i have ever took. The way Prabhsharanbir Singh taught the course with so much detail and so much ease made the course enjoyable as well as informative. I personally would take all the courses being offered by the professor. The knowledge in the course is very crucial to navigate the modern world. A must have."
Gagandeep Singh, 15 Oct 2023
"The Course Understanding Modernity changed my world outlook in a very positive way. Now, my perspective is totally different and more wide. Moreover, I believe a course becomes more interesting and fascinating if it is taught by a good mentor and luckily, I had one!"
Ravinder Singh, 02 Nov 2023
"Understanding Modernity has opened a different perspective to my life. This course has put a new meaning to perceive things and understand as why they are as they appear. Prabhsharan has immense knowledge on the subject and provided meaningful start so that we can continue on this journey. Thank you bhaji."
Jasdeep, 02 Nov 2023
"Understanding Modernity was an excellent course! It really helped me understand this cultural system that has dominated the entire world and which unknown to me shaped my consciousness, perception with ideas which I took for granted as the ultimate truth. Exploring the philosophical and ideological foundations of modernity helped me not only understand the ideas and assumptions upon which modernity was built, but gave me the tools I needed in order to question my own practices, ideas and personal beliefs in order to connect more authentically with my personal life, religion and culture in a meaningful way. Each class was exciting and gave me the confidence to carve a path towards liberation."
Kiran, 14 Oct 2023
>

View all courses on offer at Vancouver Institute

Testimonials

Religion and Culture: The Sikh Experience

Prabhsharandeep Singh

"I liked the interective way of teaching which can not be seen in the universities."
Sukhman Kaur, 29 Oct 2023
"It was a great journey being a student of Paaji Prabhsharandeep Singh in Culture and Religion course. He has highly intellectual knowledge about depth of Sikh history and world view. This course really helps me to understand what is going on today with Sikhs and what historical events have happened. During this course we have gone through with some theoretical analysis published in the context of Religion and Culture. These online courses provide university level of knowledge to students who don’t have access or sufficient funds to get into university education. I really appreciate the efforts of Both of brothers to help students to understand their futures community challenges and Narratives."
Paramjit Singh, 07 Nov 2023
"The course "Religion and Culture: The Sikh Experience" was an enlightening journey that deepened my understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between Punjabiyat and Sikhi."
Mahadeep Singh, 09 Oct 2023
"I got to learn a lot from this course. Like how religion shapes people's culture, influencing their thinking and choices, and got the opportunity to read the ideas of great scholars whom I had never read. This course also changed my view of seeing many things because I learned a lot about history and many things about which I was not clear became clearer. Overall, this course has changed a lot in thinking and life. At the end, i say Prof. Prabhsharandeep Singh is a great teacher and has alot to give to students, i must recommend this course for new students. Thanks. Waheguru Ji Ka khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Ji."
Karandeep Singh, 07 Oct 2023
>

Introduction to Sikhi

Prabhsharandeep Singh

"Introduction to Sikhi was an interdisciplinary course which offered philosophical reflections on key Sikh concepts like Sewa, Simran, Ardas, Naam, Shabad, Divine within temporality, Humanism ,spiritual / religious binary, Sikhi idea of Human and Dharma and its distinction with respect to Islam and Hinduism traditions that provided to me a fresh look at the history and religion of the Sikhs. Course began with critical analysis and commentary challenging category of Religion ( Christianity conception) , modernist and historicist theoretical approaches which are imposed on Sikhi during colonial encounter. However here a new approach establish a Sikhi concept of Religion , concluding with how we understand the idea of Sikhi and its relevance in the contemporary world. The course greatly helped me to develop an understanding and an ability to reflect on the spiritual foundations of the social transformation that the marginalised groups in Punjab and beyond experienced as a result of the advent of Sikhi. Course is highly recommended for individuals of any age and background who are interested in learning , self- development and exploration of How we understand Sikhi in the present age and the transformation Sikhi brought in the neuro- physiological realm."
Navpreet Singh, 23 Oct 2023
"Understanding the concept of sikhi is not a easy thing to do. One could spend his own life in understanding it and still find I know nothing . But reciting gurbani, attending Katha, Kirtan and taking such courses( intro to sikhi ) could bring one person near to their bigger objectives. I learnt many new lessons and too in a manner that I never thought of."
Gurinder Singh, 07 Oct 2023
>

Get In Touch

Have questions or need more information? We're here to help. Reach out to us and we'll be happy to assist you.

viis logo
Email: info@vancouverinstitute.net

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge and respect the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, on which the Vancouver Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies operates. We honour and recognize these nations as the true stewards of this land and are grateful to have the opportunity to work, study, and learn on this territory.