Grand old man of SSP

In today's news paper, I came across a news item saying that Sardar Khushwant Singh declared his retirement from writing. He is 97. I am great admirer of him. Reading his various writings since last 34 years i.e. 1977, the year I went to Mumbai to study engineering.

A lawyer by training, great scholar of History; in particular history of Sikhs, Urdu Poetry, English literature, smart and minute observer of social circles of Delhi and Mumbai, son of legendary Sir Sobha Sing who actually built Lutyen's Delhi and finally a resident of SSP. Above all, the naughty but honest grand old man of Indian literature. He is honest to core. What he feels, whatever occurs to his mind, he honestly and frankly writes down for all of us to read.

It is because of his writings, that I became so curious about Urdu Poetry, History of undivided Punjab and SSP. Because of his writing, my interests went on developing and ultimately I landed in learning to read and write Urdu and reading volume after volume on history of Punjab and Sikhs. By learning to read Urdu, my pleasure in reading Ghazals and also their understanding multiplied.

I collected each of his book. The latest "Sunset Club" is really naughty one. But I could enjoy it thoroughly because entire book is set on Lodi Garden, SSP and Khan Market area of New Delhi. The area, in which I live in New Delhi since last 5 years or so whenever I go there. Morning walk at Lodi Garden is like a dream, a dream gradually unfolding in thick fog! The breakfast on return to Ambassador Hotel is another heavenly experience. The evening is made cheerful by stroll in Khan Market. During last 5 years or so, I never stayed elsewhere but in SSP! The experience is such divine! The colony was built by his father; Sir Sobha Singh and is named after is grand father; Sujan Singh. Khushwant Singh spend major part of his life in SSP and that might be one of the secret of his long, healthy life!

Khushwant Singh is the grand old man who contributed greatly to the pleasures I enjoy; namely Ghazals and History of undivided Punjab and of course his own books. I shall greatly miss his writing and shall miss him because his writing is so lively.

On this occasion, I wish him happy and healthy retired life. You really worked hard and long Sardar sahib! mera sijda kubul farmaiyega.