Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair

Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair is Professor of Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Michigan, holding the distinguished Tara Singh & Balwant Kaur Chattha, Gurbax Singh & Kirpal Kaur Brar Professor of Sikh Studies endowed chair. He is also Associate Faculty with the Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies program and a faculty member of the Center for South Asian Studies. Mandair has made significant contributions to Sikh and South Asian studies through his interdisciplinary approach that bridges philosophy, religion, and postcolonial theory.

Mandair holds an impressive dual academic background, with a Philosophy PhD from the University of Warwick (1999) and a Chemistry PhD from Aston University (1989). His educational journey reflects his interdisciplinary approach, combining scientific rigor with philosophical inquiry. This unique background informs his distinctive perspective on religious and philosophical traditions.

Mandair's research spans multiple interconnected fields including World Philosophies, continental philosophy, postcolonial theory, translation studies, history and theory of religions, political theory, and the study of spirituality and consciousness. His work particularly focuses on Sikh thought within global contexts, examining how Sikh philosophy engages with contemporary issues of secularism, violence, and decolonization. He approaches Sikhism not as a bounded tradition but as a dynamic philosophical resource for addressing modern challenges.

His recent publications reveal a clear trajectory toward exploring Sikh philosophy as a decolonial resource, examining concepts like gurbāni, time-consciousness, and diasporic identity. Mandair's scholarship consistently bridges theoretical sophistication with practical concerns, connecting Sikh thought to broader philosophical debates about religion, secularism, and political power. His work demonstrates how Sikh philosophical concepts can contribute to global conversations about ethics, consciousness, and social transformation.

Mandair has authored influential books including "Spiritual Warriors: Violence and Non-Violence in Sikhism" (2021), "Religion and the Specter of the West" (2009), and "Sikhism: A Guide for the Perplexed" (2013). He is founding editor of the journal "Sikh Formations: Religion, Culture and Theory" and edits two book series: "Routledge Critical Sikh Studies" and "Routledge Studies in Translation and Religion."

As an educator, Mandair teaches innovative courses including "Geophilosophies," "Spirituality and Consciousness," and "Race, Religion and Caste in India and the USA." His teaching emphasizes critical thinking about the structures of thought that sustain prejudice, encouraging students to experiment with reconstituting their own mindsets rather than simply enacting political correctness.