Khushwant Singh (born Khushal Singh, 2 February 1915 20 March 2014) was a multifaceted Indian personality, encompassing roles as an author, lawyer, diplomat, journalist, and politician. His pivotal experience during the 1947 Partition of India became the driving force behind his renowned workTrain to Pakistan, published in 1956 (later adapted into a film in 1998), which stands as his most celebrated novel.Early Life: Born in Punjab, Khushwant Singh received his education from prestigious institutions such as Modern School, New Delhi, St. Stephen's College, and Government College, Lahore. He pursued further studies at King's College London, earning an LL.B. from the University of London. Career: Commencing his career as a lawyer in Lahore, he later joined the Indian Foreign Service post-Independence. His journey led him to diverse roles, including journalism and UNESCO's Department of Mass Communications in Paris. A notable editor, he significantly influenced the literary landscape. Politics: Khushwant Singh served as a Member of Parliament from 1980 to 1986 and was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1974. However, he returned this award in 1984 as a protest against Operation Blue Star. In 2007, he received the Padma Vibhushan. Personal Life: Married to Kanwal Malik, whom he met during his studies in London, they had two children. He was known for his residence in "Sujan Singh Park" in New Delhi, constructed by his father, and was deeply connected to his roots. Religious Belief: Khushwant Singh identified as an agnostic, openly criticizing organized religion. His skepticism t... See more
Khushwant Singh (born Khushal Singh, 2 February 1915 20 March 2014) was a multifaceted Indian personality, encompassing roles as an author, lawyer, diplomat, journalist, and politician. His pivotal experience during the 1947 Partition of India became the driving force behind his renowned workTrain to Pakistan, published in 1956 (later adapted into a film in 1998), which stands as his most celebrated novel.Early Life: Born in Punjab, Khushwant Singh received his education from prestigious institutions such as Modern School, New Delhi, St. Stephen's College, and Government College, Lahore. He pursued further studies at King's College London, earning an LL.B. from the University of London. Career: Commencing his career as a lawyer in Lahore, he later joined the Indian Foreign Service post-Independence. His journey led him to diverse roles, including journalism and UNESCO's Department of Mass Communications in Paris. A notable editor, he significantly influenced the literary landscape. Politics: Khushwant Singh served as a Member of Parliament from 1980 to 1986 and was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1974. However, he returned this award in 1984 as a protest against Operation Blue Star. In 2007, he received the Padma Vibhushan. Personal Life: Married to Kanwal Malik, whom he met during his studies in London, they had two children. He was known for his residence in "Sujan Singh Park" in New Delhi, constructed by his father, and was deeply connected to his roots. Religious Belief: Khushwant Singh identified as an agnostic, openly criticizing organized religion. His skepticism towards religious dogma and belief in atheism was a recurring theme in his writings. Death: Khushwant Singh passed away on 20 March 2014 at the age of 99. His demise was marked with tributes from India's top dignitaries. He was cremated according to his wishes, with a portion of his ashes scattered in Hadali, his birthplace. Honours and Awards: Over the years, Khushwant Singh received numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2007 and a Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2010, recognizing his significant contributions to literature. Literary Works: His literary repertoire spans across various genres, including novels, short stories, essays, and historical accounts, each reflecting his wit, humor, and critical perspective. Legacy: Khushwant Singh's legacy endures through his literary works, which continue to captivate readers and provoke thought on various societal and political issues.
