Khushwant Singh

Train to Pakistan, released in 1956, established Khushwant Singh as a significant voice in literature, drawing directly from his experiences during the 1947 Partition of India. A versatile figure, he navigated careers as a lawyer, journalist, diplomat, and politician, contributing to the Indian public discourse throughout the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries with sharp, observational prose.

Early Education and Legal Training

Born in 1915 in Hadali, Punjab, he was originally named Khushal Singh, later adopting the self-manufactured name Khushwant. His schooling began at Delhi Modern School in 1920, followed by studies at St. Stephen's College. He completed a bachelor's degree at Government College, Lahore, in 1934. His legal training occurred at King's College London, resulting in an LL.B. from the University of London and his call to the bar at the Inner Temple.

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Diplomatic and Journalistic Career

He began practicing law in 1939 at the Lahore High Court before transitioning to the Indian Foreign Service in 1947. His diplomatic service included posts in Toronto, London, and Ottawa. In 1951, he turned to journalism with All India Radio and later worked for the UNESCO Department of Mass Communications. His editorial work was extensive, notably increasing the circulation of The Illustrated Weekly of India to 400,000 before his departure in 1978. He also held positions at the Hindustan Times and National Herald.

Political Engagement

From 1980 to 1986, he served as a member of the Rajya Sabha. His political identity was marked by his vocal support for the government during the national emergency, leading to the label of an establishment liberal. He maintained a strong interest in diplomacy, advocating for closer ties between India and Israel during the 1970s. His disillusionment with the political system grew following the anti-Sikh riots, though he remained engaged with groups like the Citizens Justice Committee.

Public Recognition

The Indian government acknowledged his contributions with several honors. He received the Padma Bhushan in 1974, though he later returned the award. In 2007, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his work in literature and education. A resident of New Delhi for much of his life, he passed away in 2014, leaving behind a body of work that included the novel Delhi: A Novel alongside his seminal writing on partition.