Faith in Action: Meet Shawn Singh Ghuman

How do you explain Guru Nanak Dev Ji to a toddler growing up watching Cocomelon?

How do you pass on the Janamsakhis when your children’s world looks so different from the one you grew up in?

Shawn Singh Ghuman felt this too. As he prepared for fatherhood in 2023, he realized the stories he grew up loving needed a refresh for this generation of Sikh American kids.

So he created Guru Nanak Stories, a children’s book series that brings our Guru’s adventures to life through modern, beautifully illustrated picture books. Today, his books are read in homes, classrooms, and gurdwaras around the world, turning bedtime into a bridge between heritage and identity.

In our Faith in Action series, we celebrate Sikh Americans like Shawn who live their values and strengthen our community through action.

SALDEF: Can you share what inspired you to create Guru Nanak Stories and bring Janamsakhis to life for today’s children?

Shawn: During the pandemic, I saw a wave of self-published books with Sikh characters come to life, which was wonderful to see. At the same time, teachers like Nanak Naam were making Sikhi accessible in modern, thoughtful ways. Those trends felt powerful to me.

I grew up loving the Janamsakhis, and I always felt they deserved a refresh — especially for our children who are being raised in such a different cultural context than previous generations. Those three threads came together and sparked the idea for Guru Nanak Stories.

In 2023, as my wife and I were preparing for parenthood, I realized I wanted to create something that would help me explain Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Sikhi to my own children one day. That personal intention is what ultimately brought the series to life, and now I get to read these stories to my 18-month-old son!

SALDEF: Is there a reaction from a parent or child that has stayed with you or affirmed the impact of this project?

Shawn: Yes! One in particular stays with me. A family friend I had gifted the books to shared a photo of her daughter reading one because the story “made her feel better.” 

That touched me deeply because it reminded me that children often turn to stories for grounding, comfort, and meaning, and the fact that Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message played that role was incredibly moving.

I also often hear that kids want to re-read the books over and over. Now that I’m a dad, I fully understand that. My own son wants to re-read the same few books every night.

It makes me happy knowing Guru Nanak Dev Ji is becoming part of that nightly comfort ritual for families.

SALDEF: How do you hope these stories strengthen Sikh identity, confidence, and connection in young children growing up in the diaspora?”

Shawn: As more generations are born and raised in the diaspora, our understanding of “Sikh culture,” or the shared immigration stories and community structures our parents leaned on, naturally becomes diluted over time.

But the beliefs and values of Sikhi are timeless. They apply anywhere and at any age. The challenge is that they must be taught in ways that are accessible, meaningful, and relatable to children growing up in an ever-changing world.

SALDEF: What has this journey taught you about the responsibility and power of telling Sikh stories?

Shawn: This journey has taught me that kids absorb everything — the tone, the images, the values. They understand more than we think, especially when spirituality is offered with clarity and love.

That means every detail matters.

Sikhi is not inherited; it is experienced. And for many children, these early stories become their first experience of Sikhi. This has made me more thoughtful and intentional about how I present concepts and morals in each book.

I’m grateful that families resonate with the stories and support the mission. Our history is kept alive not only through gurdwaras and classrooms, but through the stories we choose to tell at home.

SALDEF: What message would you share with Sikh parents, caregivers, and educators who want to pass Sikhi on to the next generation?

Shawn: You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to try.

Sikhi is passed through small moments like a story at bedtime or a line from Gurbani shared during a car ride. It can be as simple as explaining Seva or Vand Chakko to your little one when helping a neighbor.

Shawn’s work reminds us that preserving our faith isn’t just about what happens in the gurdwara, it’s about the stories you choose to share at home, the moments you create with your children, and the values you model every day.

At SALDEF, we’re committed to creating space for Sikh Americans like Shawn who are building bridges between our heritage and our future. Your support makes this work possible.

Learn more about Guru Nanak Stories → www.gurunanakstories.com or at Amazon

Support SALDEF’s Work to Hear More Stories Like Shawn’s >>>

SALDEF’s Faith in Action series celebrates Sikh Americans who live their values every day and strengthen the communities around them. In this interview, we speak with Ruby Basi, a dedicated community advocate who has built a powerful online presence connecting Sikhs across North America and beyond with vital resources, trusted guidance, and a voice that speaks up for those who cannot.

SALDEF: You’ve built such a strong online presence and local reputation as someone the Sikh community can turn to for trusted guidance. What inspired you to start sharing information and resources through your social media platforms?

Ruby: My inspiration comes from a strong desire to connect and support our Sikh and South Asian communities, both here in North America and globally. I realized there was a real need for accessible, reliable information about resources, opportunities, and community stories, and I also felt the need to speak up for those who are afraid to share.

Social media gave me a platform to share that information in a way that’s immediate and engaging, and to be a voice that people of all ages—whether they speak Punjabi or English—can connect with. It’s always been about helping people feel informed, represented, and connected, whether through highlighting cultural events, important news, or resources that can make a real difference in someone’s life.

SALDEF: You often answer community questions about immigration, government forms, and other challenges new immigrants face. What patterns or needs do you see most often, and how do you decide which topics to cover?

Ruby: While I’m not an attorney or lawyer, I often hear from community members about challenges with immigration, government forms, and adjusting to life in a new country. The most common needs I see are clarity on procedures, access to reliable resources, and guidance on where to turn for help.

To support them, I share accurate, publicly available information and trusted resources, and I’m connected with attorneys and lawyers in both the U.S. and Canada who often join videos or live calls to answer questions directly. I always remind everyone to double-check their sources and consult or reschedule with their own attorney as needed—ensuring they get reliable guidance while I serve as a bridge connecting them to the help they need.

SALDEF: How does Sikhi influence the way you approach your work—both online and in person—when serving and educating the sangat?

Ruby: Sikhi is my foundation, and everything I do reflects our teachings. We are taught not to judge, to do sewa, to help those in need, and to remain humble and grounded. I was raised to never think we are better than anyone else—everyone carries the light of the Guru within them. We don’t know it all, which is why learning is a lifelong journey. Sikh values guide me every day, and I strive to live them until my last breath.

SALDEF: Social media can sometimes feel overwhelming or even discouraging. How do you maintain authenticity, compassion, and credibility while growing your platform and engaging thousands of followers?

Social media is not always easy—you see all kinds of profiles, and many have fake pictures or names—but I go back to our teachings. Sikhi reminds us to help anyone we can, and compassion and determination come from within.

Maintaining credibility while growing a platform with thousands of followers means staying true to these values: sharing accurate, verified information, connecting people with trusted resources or professionals when needed, and engaging thoughtfully with the community. For me, building trust and providing meaningful guidance is more important than chasing numbers, and that authenticity naturally helps the platform grow.

SALDEF: Many immigrants rely on social media for guidance, but misinformation is common. How do you ensure the accuracy of your content, and what advice would you give others who want to be responsible educators online?

Ruby: I cannot stress this enough—always do your own research! Too often, people share information they’ve heard from a friend of a friend, which can cause unnecessary panic. While many immigrants turn to social media for guidance, I’m very mindful that the information I share needs to be accurate and reliable. I always verify my sources, rely on publicly available official information, and connect with trusted professionals.

Often, I host one- or two-hour live sessions with legal professionals to answer questions directly. That said, I always remind everyone to double-check information and consult their own professionals—accuracy and caution are key. As an educator, please double-, triple-check anything you’re posting about. If you’re not sure, it’s better not to post on it.

SALDEF: What’s next for you? Are there new projects, collaborations, or goals you’re excited to pursue to expand your impact?

Ruby: I have several new projects lined up, including presenting a family-friendly play called MAA DI PENSION. It’s a comedy show with an educational twist, designed to bring families together and encourage our elderly community to get out, enjoy themselves, and engage socially. In addition, I have more projects in the works and will be appearing on Rukas Avenue, my new show covering headline news in Punjabi-English. I’m excited to continue creating content that entertains, educates, and connects our community.

SALDEF: What message would you like to share with Sikh Americans—especially younger generations—about using their voice, skills, and platforms in service of the community?

Ruby: To the younger generation: you all have a voice. Stand up for your rights, and if you can help someone, do it. If you’re going through something, speak up and if you see something, say something. I’m always here if you need anything, just send me a message. I try my best to respond to every follower, no matter who they are. Again, I’m a Sikh-American and we have a lot of work to do—let’s make a change!

Share Your Story: Know a Sikh American who’s making a difference through their commitment to Sikh values? We want to feature them in an upcoming Faith in Action spotlight. Click here to tell us about their story and contact information.

SALDEF invites you to Langar on the Hill on Wednesday, July 9 at 5 PM EST in Washington, DC.

At a time when elected officials such as Rep. Miller, suggest Sikhs don’t belong in the halls of power, we’re here to say: We do.

The SikhLEAD D.C. Cohort will be serving free langar on Capitol Hill to educate lawmakers about Sikhi and offer them a chance to connect directly with the Sikh American community.

All are welcome, but RSVP is required. Join us for this powerful moment of seva, education, and community—and help show that Sikhs do belong in every space where decisions are being made.

👉 RSVP Here: www.tinyurl.com/loth2025

Have you ever wondered about some lesser-known aspects of Sikhi?

Here are 5 intriguing facts about Sikhi that might surprise you. From the significance of the Five Ks to the concept of Langar, there’s so much to explore about this vibrant and inclusive faith. Dive into the world of Sikhs with us and expand your understanding of the fifth largest religion in the world.

ONE. Sikhism was a catalyst for gender inclusivity in a society that at the time, was dominated by an archaic patriarchal system. The Sikh Gurus emphasized the equality between men and women in the eyes of God. This led to an increase of women’s participation in religious, political and social aspects of society. Many Sikh women were warriors and active participants in civic society. 

TWO. The central holy scripture for Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, contains sacred hymns and verses referred to as Gurbani. The recitation of Gurbani is a way in which Sikhs are able to connect with God. Some Sikhs partake in reading the entire Guru Granth Sahib uninterrupted for several days in a very powerful spiritual practice called Sehaj Path. 

THREE.  The beacon symbol of the Sikh faith is called the Khanda. Khanda means “double edged sword” and there is one shown in the center of the symbol. Surrounding the Khanda is a Chakkar, a round throwing blade, with two Kirpans, single-edged swords and one of the 5 articles of faith, crossed at the bottom.

FOUR. The amrit ceremony is how Sikhs join the Khalsa. It was established by Guru Gobind Singh as a response to the persecution faced by Sikhs in that tumultuous period. During the amrit ceremony today, Sikhs who join the Khalsa must pledge to uphold all the tenets of the Sikh faith and “take amrit” by drinking water sweetened with crystalized sugar and stirred with a Khanda.

FIVE. Sikhs have a deep rooted history in the United States. The first Sikh Americans landed on the West Coast of the United States during the 1890s. In 1957, Dalip Singh Saund became the first Asian American and Sikh American elected into the United States House of Representatives where he served three terms representing California’s 29th congressional district under the Democratic Party. 

To learn more about Sikh Americans and the Sikh faith, please visit www.saldef.org/about-sikh-americans/