NEW DELHI: Noted writer and journalist Khushwant Singh passed away on Thursday. He was 99.
Singh was best known for his trenchant secularism, his humour, and an abiding love for poetry.
“He was fine and passed away peacefully at home on Thursday,” his daughter Mala Singh said. His cremation will take place at Lodhi Crematorium at 4pm today.
Born on February 2, 1915 at Hadali, now in Pakistan, Singh wrote classics like “Train to Pakistan”, “I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale” and “Delhi”.
He was a lawyer-turned-diplomat-turned-writer. His autobiography, “Truth, Love and a Little Malice”, was published by Penguin Books in 2002.
He was editor of several literary and news magazines, including the Illustrated Weekly of India as well as two newspapers, the Hindustan Times and the National Herald, through the 1970s and 1980s.
Re: Renowned Indian Journalist / Writer Khushwant Singh Passed away
A man who could think beyond borders. Apparently, non-Muslim writers like Gulzar and Khushwant Singh who born in Pakistan have a positive attitude towards people across border than likes of Jawed Akhtar.
Re: Renowned Indian Journalist / Writer Khushwant Singh Passed away
Umar Cheema @UmarCheema1](https://twitter.com/UmarCheema1) 56s
“One Sikh may argue with one Sikh. One Sikh must never argue with two Sikhs–certainly not after dark.” ― Khushwant Singh
Re: Renowned Indian Journalist / Writer Khushwant Singh Passed away
Death is in the order of nature — when your time comes, die with dignity. I’m a member of the ‘Die with Dignity’ society formed by Minoo Masani 20 years ago. I can’t say I don’t fear death — but I’m more concerned about whether it is going to be a long drawn out painful process.
Iqbal wrote: “If you ask me about the sign of faith/when death comes to him/he should have a smile on his face.” I’m all for the ancient tradition of celebrating death. When people over 70 years die, their death should be marked with celebrations including music, dancing and feasting. It is a sign of maturity and acceptance of the inevitable. I’ve discarded all religions, but I feel closest to Jainism. Every person has the right to end his life — after having fulfilled his worldly duties and if he feels he has now become a burden on others. It is legitimate to want to extinguish your life. Acharya Vinoba Bhave and Jain munis have done this. I wish to be buried with just a tree planted over my grave — no tombstone, nothing. If you live close to the sea, go for burial at sea. It saves wood.
Re: Renowned Indian Journalist / Writer Khushwant Singh Passed away
RIP.
After his death, I feel he was terribly underrated in Western world. I certainly didn't come across any praise and acknowledgement of his work in literary reviews, and that's a real shame.
I feel compelled to read about his views on Khalistaan movement and anything the confirms his reputation as consciously independent, anti establishment literary giant.
Re: Renowned Indian Journalist / Writer Khushwant Singh Passed away
For many years I was highly intrigued by his books and writings that reminded me of Manto's for their gentle yet sharp sensitivity and wit. Ofcourse where Manto's were more poetic, his were crude yet delightful in their sheer audacity to fling away pretenses.
"There's no condom for a pen." RIP
Re: Renowned Indian Journalist / Writer Khushwant Singh Passed away
While Manto died at young age and his writings were heavily affected by partition, Khushwant Singh had to face the same partition trauma. This trauma was depicted in his earlier novels 'Train to Pakistan' and ' I shall not hear the Nightingale', but afterwards he came up with new themes like 'Delhi' and books on Sikh History.
Re: Renowned Indian Journalist / Writer Khushwant Singh Passed away
Farewell, my friend… ‹ The Friday TimesIndian Muslims, Pakistanis and secularists too, have lost their best friend. Khushwant often reiterated, “I never turn away a Muslim or Pakistani from my door. My house is always open for them”. He pleaded the case for good relations, questioning why visas were needed to visit relatives and friends across the border. **Remembering his last visit to Hadali, his ancestral village in Pakistan, Khushwant would become emotional, ‘Mai to Hajj kar aya. Mera to Makkah Pakistan mai hai’. **](TFT-Story)
Re: Renowned Indian Journalist / Writer Khushwant Singh Passed away
This one hits home. Grew up watching father read The Illustrated Weekly. Then grew up reading The Illustrated Weekly. A great man. Peace loving. Secular. Believed in equal rights for ALL.
Just the other day we were discussing Mr. Singh at home.