Manraj Singh Ji
How did you come to work at SikhNet? I started my journey at SikhNet as a mobile developer (iOS). The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as I was looking for a change away from the office job I was working at. The very first project I worked on is the Gurbani Media Center iOS mobile app.
What is your favorite thing about your job? Solving problems and coming up with creative solutions. There are so many different aspects of tech at SikhNet that you learn new things and figure out solutions. We have such a great team that works together so well it feels like family.
How is your journey with SikhNet developing or how has the role changed over time? I started as a mobile iOS developer but have evolved into Software Engineering Manager. My role includes overseeing all aspects of technology, mentoring, and development work.
What does this area of work mean to you? How do you see your role as it contributes to SikhNet and how this contributes to the world in general? SikhNet’s services are delivered digitally. Technology plays a big role at SikhNet and my role is an integral part of delivering those services. Our mission is to inspire by giving resources digitally to our users across the world. Our job as members of the tech team to ensure those services are delivered effectively.
Can you describe an average day, task, or process for SikhNet? An average day can range from working on building a feature for the apps to monitoring analytics/crash reports. The world of technology is always changing so we have to keep on top of it. We have to keep up with our maintenance and bug fixes so our users have a good experience.
What do you like what you like to do outside SikhNet? I love to sing Gurbani Kirtan and look forward to sitting in the Sangat. As a family with my wife and kids, we incorporate time to go outdoors everyday. This is the best time to connect and we are away from screens.
Jujhar Singh Ji
How did you come to work at SikhNet? Back in 2000 Gurumustuk sent out an email asking what time the daily hukamnama hit our inboxes around the world. I replied giving him insight into my UK based inbox. I've been involved in various bits and bobs ever since.
What is your favorite thing about your job? Being able to bring my Guru given gifts to bear for the upliftment of humanity.
How did you come to work at SikhNet? I started my journey at SikhNet as a mobile developer (iOS). The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as I was looking for a change away from the office job I was working at. The very first project I worked on is the Gurbani Media Center iOS mobile app.
How is your journey with SikhNet developing or how has the role changed over time? Initially it started out with me just doing a bit of server admin and writing the odd script here and there, it grew into writing an whole API and eventually into architecting and implementing several systems.
What does this area of work mean to you? How do you see your role as it contributes to SikhNet and how this contributes to the world in general? My job is to ensure that we build the right things in the right way. The right things being Sikhnet experiences that benefit the global Sangat and humanity as a whole. The right way means that the team has the skills, support, motivation and tooling to do their job and that the systems last for a long time and are fast, flexible, secure and cost-effective to run.
Can you describe an average day, task, or process for SikhNet? It could be anything from writing some routes for a backend API, doing some Kubernetes cluster upgrades to holding sprint planning meetings. I only help out in my spare hours so I try not to be on the critical path and ensure the team can get on with their job when I'm not around.
What do you like to do outside SikhNet? Outside of Sikhnet I have my family and my day job as a tech lead, outside of that I love to learn, practice and teach Gurmatsangeet. I try to play the Taus , sometimes it's ok by Guru's grace, most of the time it's bad.
Kiranpreet Singh Ji
How did you come to work at SikhNet? I’ve known Manraj Singh for a very long time. In 2015, he came to know that I was taking Computer Science at the University of Calgary and he asked if I would like to help with one of his side projects, iGurbani. As time permitted, I would work on iGurbani and for a while I worked with him full time. In 2020, there was talk between him and Jujhar Singh about hiring more Software Engineers. Manraj had mentioned me as a potential candidate and later on I was brought on board the SikhNet team.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
- There are a lot of things that I like about this job. With Guru Sahib’s blessings I have always been involved in the Sikh ecosystem, getting exposed to different parts of Sikhism and it’s always been on the back of my mind that I want to give back to the community. SikhNet has provided that opportunity.
- I also like the team! They are a great bunch of people! Everyone is from different places from the world with their unique experiences and skillsets. They are also very open and welcoming! It’s always amazing to see them!
- I also like that there are people in the world who get up every morning to use SikhNet apps to listen to Hukamnama, Katha, Kirtan, etc. This makes me very happy.
How is your journey with SikhNet developing or how has the role changed over time? My journey with SikhNet is still very young. Initially I thought I would just be focusing on software developing tasks but over time it has grown to giving input in other areas of SikhNet to helping with fundraising tasks.
What does this area of work mean to you? How do you see your role as it contributes to SikhNet and how this contributes to the world in generaI? I see my role as one that links SikhNet to its users. Being aware that each piece I develop should affect our users all over the world in a positive manner and should also help the rest of the team achieve their goals and fulfill their roles. My role also means that I have to be up-to-date with the industry since software is changing every day.
Can you describe an average day, task, or process for SikhNet? This is hard to say as each task is unique. One of the things that I do daily is to check if all of our apps are running fine and there are no issues. Other things I typically work on are bug fixes, experimentation, developing new features and of course, learning new things along the way!
What do you like to do outside SikhNet? Outside of SikhNet, I like listening to Katha and Kirtan. Harimandar Sahib Kirtan is the best and so calming! I also like going to the gym. Working out helps me keep mentally and physically healthy and provides a chance for me to slow down and be in the moment and enjoy!