Khushwant Singh – Noted Writer & A Courageous Man Bids Adieu

Khushwant Singh – The name itself evokes admiration and aura for the renowned author.

Train to Pakistan is Available at Flipkart

One of India’s most prolific writers, Khushwant Singh bid adieu to the world today on 20th March, 2014 at the age of 99 in New Delhi.

Renowned for his wittiness, fearlessness and candidness; Khushwant Singh was a brutally honest writer, author, novelist, commentator and journalist who never shied away from calling spade a spade.

A honorary recipient of Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, Khushwant Singh has penned more than 30 novels, short stories, essays and commentaries. Some of his most internationally renowned novels include Train to Pakistan, Delhi,  The Company of Women, A History of the Sikhs and many more.

In the 70’s and the 80’s, Khushwant Singh served as the editor of various news and literary magazines such as  The Illustrated Weekly of India. He was also the editor of National Herald and The Hindustan Times.

Born in Hadali (pre-partition era), now in Pakistan, Khushwant Singh was a name to reckon with. His iconic column, ‘With malice towards one and all’ was immensely popular for its frankness and sense of humor. His son Rahul Singh said, “He was a gentle person and a great admirer of Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa. He believed in good thought and good deed. He hated hypocrisy and fundamentalism.”

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paid his condolences saying, “Khushwant Singh was a gifted author, candid commentator and a dear friend who lived a truly creative life.”

Khushwant Singh’s love for poetry was well-known. Veteran journalist Mark Tully remarked, “He never minced his words and was a courageous person. I remember once having dinner with him when he showed up his tremendous knowledge about Urdu poetry. What a lovable man he was!”

Indeed Khushwant Singh was a remarkable man who lived a fulfilling life and regaled readers with his sharp sense of humor and honest works of writing.

Khushwant Singh has passed away but his name will live on! For here was the brave man who dared to speak his mind and thoughts..!!

The Times of India has listed Khushwant Singh’s 10 most talked about books:

1. Train to Pakistan (1956)
2. I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale (1959)
3. Delhi: A Novel (1990)
4. A History of the Sikhs (1963)
5. Women and Men in My Life (1995)
6. Truth, Love and a Little Malice: An Autobiography (2002)
7. Death at My Doorstep (2005)
8. The Sunset Club (2010)
9. The Portrait of a Lady: Collected Stories (2013)
10. The Good, The Bad and The Ridiculous (2013)

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About the Author

Neha Arora ( 8 Posts)

A day dreamer, chocoholic, golgappe lover, loves reading & day dreaming of traveling throughout India. Khaled Hosseini and Elizabeth Gilbert are favorite authors.
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