Born on 02.02.1915, studied at King's College, London - Sardar Khushwant Singh is highly respected and free thinking Indian journalist, writer and historian. Singh is best known for his clear-cut secularism, his humor, and love of poetry. Singh's writing is so popular that his weekly newspaper column, "With Malice towards One and All", published in many Indian national dailies is among the most widely-read commentaries. Singh was appointed to edit ‘Yojana’, a journal published by the Indian government. He worked with ‘ Illustrated Weekly of India’, ‘The National Herald’ and the ‘Hindustan Times’. Singh was a ‘Rajya Sabha’ member of the Indian parliament from 1980 to 1986. He was also honored with the ‘Padma Bhushan’ award in the year 1974 for service to his country, but he returned the award in protest against the siege of the Golden Temple by the Indian Army in 1984. Undeterred, the Indian government awarded Singh an even more prestigious honor, the ‘Padma Vibhushan’ in the year 2007. His father, Sir Sobha Singh (builder), was a prominent builder in Lutyens' Delhi. His uncle Sardar Ujjal Singh (1895–1983) was Ex. Governor of Punjab & Tamil Nadu. He and his wife (Late) Mrs. Kawal Malik have a son, Rahul Singh, and a daughter, Mala. Popular Actress Amrita Singh is the grand daughter of his sister Mrs. Jaspal Singh. He stays in "Sujan Singh Park" in New Delhi, - Delhi's first apartment complex, built by his father in 1945, and named after his grandfather.

Reporter> Sir, What is the relation between Truth, Books and Life?

Singh> Books are our real friends in life. They are voice of experiences or vision. Whenever I have felt lonely or lost, I have derived solace and strength out of them. Different books have different objectives. Fiction for example, not only imparts pleasure but also helps us to understand the subtle working of our emotions. In other words, books gives us some truth, some valuable insights into our own personalities.

Reporter> It is difficult to earn living through writing, What is your advice to young writers?

Singh> Even after the publication of my first novel, “The Train to Pakistan”, I still wasn't earning enough. Even friends and relatives use to ridicule me that I was living on my father's money. It was clearly a distasteful situation. So I got a job in foreign services, to become financially independent. Thereafter journalism happened and I discovered that it was more to my liking!

A writer must write absolute truth or things he believes in. I feel writers should stand on their own, without any artificial respiration from the government. I think a writer with considerable talent is bound to make his mark, regardless of all odds. It would be slavery just to do a 9-to-5 job for money.

Reporter> What makes you so fearless? Someone said, “Creative people don't follow rules, they don't necessarily break them either, they almost always make their own rules”. Please comment?
Singh> Seeds of fearlessness lie in my upbringing. I was born and brought up in an atmosphere that encouraged me to think freely and also provided ample opportunities for self-expression. Growing up in such a carefree environment emboldened my spirit to a great extent. Then when I took to writing, I made it a point to be absolutely honest with myself. But in this process I lost many good friends and acquired a good many enemies.

Reporter> You are 98 years old, Sir, What is the Secret of your longevity?

Singh> Yes, I'm 98 years old and still earning more than I did in my younger days! My parents died at 90 and 94 years of age and had five children, four sons and a daughter. I think it has to do with genetics. I believe in the Jain philosophy that death ought to be celebrated. Earlier, whenever I was upset or low, I used to go to the cremation grounds. It has a cleansing effect, and worked like a therapy for me. In fact, I'd written my own epitaph years ago:

“Here lies one who spared neither man nor God
Waste not your tears on him, he was a sod
Writing nasty things he regarded as great fun
Thank the Lord he is dead, this son of a gun.”

I do not conform to the tradition of old people spending time in prayer and long hours in places of worship. That amounts to conceding defeat. Instead take up a hobby like gardening, growing bonsai, helping children of your neighbourhood with their homework.

Sometimes I fix my gaze on the flame of candle, empty my mind of everything, but in my kind repeat Aum Shanti, Aum Shanti, Aum Shanti. It does work. I am at peace with the world. We can't all be Fawja Singh who at 100 runs a marathon race, but we can equal him in longevity, creativity.

Reporter> With love towards one and all, Khushwant singh wants to say…

Singh> Dear brothers and sisters, Like all of us, I too have my own set of regrets. I had in my mind a novel about my country, which could never be written. May be some of my young readers will write it for me.

Reporter> What advise or suggestions would you like to give to our young readers?

Singh> Impose a strict discipline on your daily routine. I have breakfast exactly at 6.30 am, lunch at noon, drink at 7 pm, supper at 8 pm. Develop peace of mind. Shortage of money can be very demoralising. It does not have to be in crores, but enough for your future needs and possibility of falling ill. Never lose your temper. It takes a heavy toll and jangles one's nerves. Never tell a lie. Always keep your national motto in mind: ‘Satyamev Jayate’- only truth triumphs. Give away generously. Remember you cannot take it with you. You may give it to your children, your servants or in charity. You will feel better. Going to clubs or parties to get free drinks, or to meet celebrities, is a criminal waste of time.

There is joy in giving. Drive out envy of those who have done better than you in life. A Punjabi verse sums up: “Rookhi sookhy khai kay Thanda paani pee, Na veykh paraayee chonparian Na tarsaain jee" In English, “Eat dry bread and drink cold water, Pay no heed or envy those who smear their chapatis with ghee.”

Also, do not allow people to descend on you for gup-shup. By the time you get rid of them, you will feel exhausted and poisoned by their gossip-mongering.

Reporter> Thank you, Singh Sahab.

Singh> Thank you, I wish all my readers long, healthy lives full of happiness.