THE WRITER
Novelist, short-story writer and author of some of India’s most enduring works.
A LIFE OF WORDS.
IDEAS. AND FEARLESS OBSERVATION.
KHUSHWANT
SINGH
1915 — 2014
Writer · Journalist · Historian · Humanist
Always
a skeptic.
Always
an optimist.
A LIFE
IN WORDS
Stories. People. India.
As he saw it.
Khushwant Singh was one of India’s most distinctive literary voices — a writer, journalist, historian and editor whose work was marked by honesty, wit and an unflinching curiosity about people and society.
Born in 1915 in Hadali, Punjab, he lived through some of the most defining chapters of modern India. His experiences of Partition found powerful expression in Train to Pakistan, while A History of the Sikhs, Delhi: A Novel and Truth, Love and a Little Malice established him as one of the country’s most widely read and enduring authors.
As a journalist and editor, he brought the same candour and irreverence to public life. He wrote about politics, history, religion, human relationships, food, friendship and the everyday absurdities of life — always with an unmistakable voice and a willingness to question convention.
He wrote fearlessly. He observed relentlessly. And he never stopped asking questions.
“I believe, instead, in humanity, truth, ahimsa and hard work.”— Khushwant Singh
MORE THAN A WRITER
A MAN OF MANY CONVERSATIONS
THE JOURNALIST
A sharp and independent voice who brought clarity, humour and candour to public discourse.
THE HISTORIAN
A chronicler of India and the subcontinent, with A History of the Sikhs among his major works.
THE EDITOR
A defining presence in Indian journalism, including his work with The Illustrated Weekly of India and Hindustan Times.
THE OBSERVER
A keen observer of human nature — curious about people, relationships, contradictions and the everyday life around him.
A LIFE IN YEARS
MOMENTS THAT SHAPED A NATION. AND A WRITER.Born in Hadali, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
Witnesses Partition and the birth of independent India
Train to Pakistan is published
Awarded the Padma Bhushan
Member of the Rajya Sabha
Awarded the Padma Vibhushan
Passes away at the age of 99
