Khushwant Singh was an Indian author, lawyer, diplomat, journalist and politician. He was born on February 2, 1915, in Hadali, Punjab (now in Pakistan). His prolific writing and candid commentary on social and political issues made him a significant figure in Indian literature and journalism.
Early Life
Khushwant Singh was born into a prominent Sikh family. His father, Sir Sobha Singh, was a well-known builder in Lutyens’ Delhi, and his mother, Varyam Kaur, came from a deeply religious background. Khushwant Singh attended Government College in Lahore before pursuing further studies at King’s College London and later at University College London, where he obtained a law degree. He was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in London in 1939.
Career
Khushwant Singh began his career as a practising lawyer in Lahore in 1939. However, the partition of India in 1947 was a turning point in his life. The horrors and trauma of partition deeply affected him, inspiring much of his later work. He joined the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in 1947 and served as an information officer in various Indian embassies, including London and Ottawa.
In 1951, he transitioned to journalism, where he found his true calling. He worked as a journalist and editor for various publications, including The Illustrated Weekly of India, The National Herald, and The Hindustan Times. His stint as the editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India from 1969 to 1978 is particularly noteworthy. Under his leadership, the magazine’s circulation increased dramatically, and it became a platform for bold and provocative writing.
Politics
Khushwant Singh was also active in politics. He served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1986, representing the Congress Party. During his tenure, Singh was known for his forthright views and his commitment to secularism and social justice. However, he was also critical of the political establishment, including his own party, and did not shy away from voicing his dissent.
Personal Life
Khushwant Singh married Kawal Malik in 1939, and they had two children, Mala and Rahul. He was known for his wit, humour, and love for good company. He had a vast circle of friends and admirers from all walks of life. Singh was also a keen observer of human nature, and his personal experiences often found their way into his writing.
Honours and Awards
Khushwant Singh was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1974, which he returned in 1984 in protest against the Indian government’s siege of the Golden Temple. In 2007, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. He was also the recipient of several literary awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2010, which is the highest honour conferred by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters.
Literary Works
Khushwant Singh’s literary oeuvre is vast and varied, encompassing novels, short stories, essays, and historical and biographical works. His first novel, ‘Train to Pakistan’ (1956), is considered a classic and is one of the most poignant depictions of the partition of India.
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Other notable works include ‘I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale’ (1959), ‘Delhi: A Novel’ (1990), and ‘The Company of Women’ (1999). Singh’s non-fiction works are equally significant. His two-volume ‘History of Sikhs’ is regarded as an authoritative text on Sikh history. His autobiography, ‘Truth, Love & a Little Malice’ (2002).
Conclusion
Khushwant Singh passed away on March 20, 2014, at the age of 99. His death marked the end of an era in Indian literature and journalism. Known for his fearless expression, wit, and deep humanism, Khushwant Singh remains a towering figure in Indian literature, his works continuing to inspire and engage readers across generations.