Khushwant Singh is not just a name but he is an inspiration for millions of people. He might have known a few hundred people personally, but millions of people have known him and will forever. Khushwant Singh is (don’t want to use was, as great personalities like him can never die) a very famous and renowned writer, novelist and a journalist. Khushwant Singh marked his presence on this earth on February 12, 1915 and said a goodbye to all his fans and well wishers on March 20, 2014. For 99 years, Khushwant Singh gave the gift of knowledge to everyone through his books. Those who know Singh personally, only know what have they lost today. This loss is not just theirs but we all have lost a source of utter knowledge. According to his son, Rahul Singh, Khushwant Singh passed away peacefully at his residence.
Singh will always be remembered for his secularism, humor, love for poetry and sheer knowledge. Very less people know the life and hardships of Khushwant Singh. Born and brought up in a well to do Sikh family, Singh was an intelligent child from the start. Singh completed his studies from renowned schools in Delhi and then was sent to King’s College London. Singh worked really hard as a journalist. He gave his precious 9 years to, The Illustrated Weekly, raising their circulation from 65,000 to 4,00,000. But the weekly gave him the shock of his life, one week prior to his retirement, management abruptly asked Singh to leave immediately. However, The weekly suffered a huge loss after Singh’s departure.
Khushwant Singh and Awards
Singh was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1974 for his commendable services in the country, which Singh returned back in 1984 as a result of protest against The siege of the Golden Temple by Indian Army. Singh was later awarded with Padma Vibhushan in 2007. Singh has been honored with 7 prestigious awards in the 99 years of his life.
1966- Rockfellar Grant
1984- Padma Bhushan
2000- Honest Man of the Year, SulabhInternational
2006- Punjab Rattan Award
2007- Padma Vibhushan
2010- Sahitya Academy Fellowship Award
2012- All-India Minorities Forum Annual Fellowship Award
Khushwant Singh and his Books
Singh has written 35 books in his lifetime. The first book was published in 1950, The mark of Vishnu and Other Stories, followed by 34 more books. Apart from these 34 books, Singh has contributed with Short story collections too. Although all the books by Singh are amazing, but given below are 10 must read books written by Khushwant Singh which you must not miss at any cost.
10 must read books of Khushwant Singh
Train to Pakistan
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The Company of Women
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Truth, Love and a Little Malice
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Delhi: A Novel
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A history of the Sikhs
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The Good, the Bad and the Ridiculous
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Sahibs Who Loved India
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I Shall Not Hear The Nightingale
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Paradise and other Stories
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The end of India
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Life is a journey which is worth when you leave millions of people inspired. Khushwant Singh has not only touched a million hearts, but he has made a place in our hearts to stay forever. You will be alive in our memories forever………
