Khushwant Singh, Indian journalist and author (d. 2014)

Khushwant Singh, born Khushal Singh on February 2, 1915, and passing away on March 20, 2014, was a towering figure in 20th and early 21st-century India. He carved a unique niche for himself as a prolific and impactful Indian author, a distinguished lawyer, a seasoned diplomat, a penetrating journalist, and an insightful politician. His long and illustrious life spanned a transformative period in India's history, from the waning days of the British Empire to the emergence of a modern, independent nation.

A Literary Legacy Forged in Partition's Fire

One of Khushwant Singh's most enduring contributions to literature, and arguably his most celebrated work, is the novel Train to Pakistan, published in 1956. This powerful narrative was deeply inspired by his direct experience and profound observations during the cataclysmic 1947 Partition of India. The novel vividly portrays the human tragedy, communal tensions, and brutal realities faced by ordinary people caught in the chaotic aftermath of the division of British India into India and Pakistan. It stands as a seminal work in Partition literature, offering a stark and unflinching look at the violence and displacement that shaped the subcontinent. The novel's timeless relevance was further cemented when it was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 1998, bringing its poignant story to a wider audience.

Education and Early Career: A Foundation of Diverse Experiences

Born in Hadali, Punjab (British India at the time), Khushwant Singh received a comprehensive and prestigious education. He attended Modern School in New Delhi, followed by St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and graduated from Government College, Lahore – institutions renowned for their academic rigor. His pursuit of legal studies took him to the United Kingdom, where he attended King's College London, earning an LL.B. from the University of London. Subsequently, he was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in London, a significant milestone signifying his qualification as a barrister. After practicing law for eight years at the Lahore High Court, a pivotal moment arrived with India's independence in 1947. Singh transitioned into public service, joining the newly formed Indian Foreign Service, serving as a diplomat in London and Ottawa. His career path continued to diversify when he was appointed as a journalist with All India Radio (AIR) in 1951, the national public broadcaster, and later moved to the Department of Mass Communications of UNESCO in Paris in 1956. These varied roles, particularly in journalism and international communication, significantly broadened his perspective, sharpened his observational skills, and ultimately encouraged him to dedicate himself more fully to a literary career.

The Quintessential Khushwant Singh: Wit, Wisdom, and Fearless Secularism

As a writer, Khushwant Singh became synonymous with a distinctive style characterized by his trenchant secularism, an unwavering commitment to rational thought and a pluralistic society in the face of communal divisions. His writing was imbued with a unique blend of humour, often biting sarcasm, and an abiding, scholarly love of poetry, particularly Punjabi and Sufi verse. His famous comparisons of the social and behavioural characteristics of Westerners and Indians were always laced with an incisive, "acid wit" that both entertained and provoked thought. Beyond his prolific authorship, Singh was a highly influential editor, shaping public discourse through several prominent literary and news magazines, as well as two major newspapers throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Notably, he served as the editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India (1979-1980), transforming it into a widely read and influential publication, and also helmed the National Herald and the Hindustan Times.

A Voice in Parliament and a Stand Against Injustice

From 1980 to 1986, Khushwant Singh served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's bicameral Parliament. His nomination to this distinguished legislative body, the Council of States, allowed him to bring his sharp intellect and independent voice to national policy debates, further solidifying his role as a public intellectual.

His commitment to principles was powerfully demonstrated in 1984. Although he had been awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, in 1974, he resolutely returned the award in protest against Operation Blue Star. This highly controversial military operation, ordered by the Indian government, involved the Indian Army raiding the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, the holiest shrine of Sikhism, to flush out Sikh militants. As a prominent Sikh intellectual and public figure, Singh viewed the action as a profound assault on Sikh sentiment and a violation of civil liberties. This act of protest underscored his fierce independence and moral courage. Despite this significant protest, his immense contributions were once again recognized by the nation when he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2007, reflecting his continued standing as an intellectual giant and cultural icon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Khushwant Singh

Who was Khushwant Singh?
Khushwant Singh was a highly influential Indian author, lawyer, diplomat, journalist, and politician, renowned for his multifaceted career, incisive wit, secular views, and significant contributions to Indian literature and public life.
What is Khushwant Singh most famous for?
He is most famous for his acclaimed novel Train to Pakistan (1956), which vividly portrays the human tragedy of the 1947 Partition of India. He was also widely recognized for his work as an editor, particularly of The Illustrated Weekly of India, and for his distinctive writing style characterized by humour, sarcasm, and trenchant secularism.
Why did Khushwant Singh return his Padma Bhushan award?
Khushwant Singh returned his Padma Bhushan award in 1984 in strong protest against Operation Blue Star, a military action by the Indian Army on the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which he viewed as a grave injustice and an assault on Sikh religious sentiments.
What literary themes did Khushwant Singh often explore?
He frequently explored themes related to the Partition of India, secularism versus communalism, the complexities of Indian society, the absurdities of human behaviour, and the interplay between traditional Indian values and Western influences, often with a humorous or satirical bent.