The Good, the Bad and the Ridiculous
Khushwant Singh (1915-2014) was an Indian novelist, lawyer, politician and journalist. His literary works were best known for their humour and acerbic satire. We remember the contributions of this polymath on his departure from this world on March 20, 2014.
Khushwant Singh was born in Hadali, Khushab District, Punjab in Pakistan to a Sikh family
He completed his education by obtaining Bar at law degree from the Inner Temple
Singh started his professional career as a practising lawyer in 1938
He started his career as a journalist in 1951 by joining the All India Radio
He was the editor of two major Indian newspapers, The National Herald and the Hindustan Times
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Khushwant Singh's writing ranged from political commentary and contemporary satire to outstanding translations of Sikh religious texts
He was a renowned critic of Urdu literature and poetry
He was one of the last remaining writers to have personally known most of the stalwarts of Urdu and Punjabi literature
He is famous for his English translation of the long poems Shikwa and Jawab E Shikwa of Sir Mohammed Iqbal
Singh promoted lesser known Urdu poets like Arsh Malsiyani and favoured Devanagri or latin script for Urdu in India
From 1980 through 1986, Singh was a member of Rajya Shabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament
He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1974 for service to his country.
In 1984 he returned the award in protest of the attack of the Golden Temple by the Indian army
Singh played a key role in developing India's diplomatic relationship with Israel
Khushwant Singh was a self proclaimed agnostic and published a book on his thoughts named Agnostic Khushwant: There is no God
Khushwant Singh later became interested in Bahai faith and requested them to bury him in their cemetery
Later the plan was abandoned due to some conditions proposed from the Bahai community
Singh died due to natural causes on March 20, 2014 at his Delhi residence, at the age of 99
– Md shahnawaz khan chandan
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