Born in New Delhi into a prominent Sikh family of builders, Patwant Singh established himself as Editor and Publisher of Indian Builder in 1952 and then Design from 1957 to 1988, which covered architecture, urban planning, the visual arts and graphics, and industrial design.  His passion for writing and deep concern for the state of the Sikh community and Indian society at large steered him towards journalism and authorship, articulating his progressive vision and voicing his concerns about religious and cultural identity in a rapidly modernizing world.

Over the decades, Singh emerged as a staunch advocate for Sikh history, heritage, and values. His writings often sought to bridge the gap between historical Sikh traditions and contemporary challenges. His acclaimed books, such as The Sikhs and The World According to Washington: An Asian View, demonstrate his nuanced understanding of both Sikh history and global geopolitics. In The Sikhs, Singh provided a compelling narrative of Sikhi's origins, philosophy, and resilience through centuries of upheaval, presenting the community's struggles and triumphs with authenticity and pride. Beyond his literary contributions, Singh was deeply engaged in public life, voicing strong opinions against communalism, social injustice, and the marginalization of minority communities in India.

Patwant Singh’s legacy as a writer and thinker lies in his ability to present Sikhi as not only a faith but also a vibrant and evolving way of life deeply connected to universal human values. His critical perspectives on Indian politics, including the Sikh experience during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and Operation Blue Star, earned him both admirers and critics. Nevertheless, his work remains a cornerstone for understanding the Sikh community in a broader historical and global context. Patwant Singh’s intellectual rigor and eloquence continue to inspire readers and scholars alike, making him a revered figure in Sikh literature and thought.

List of Literary Works

• India and the Future of Asia, 1967
• The Struggle for Power in Asia, 1971
• Punjab: The Fatal Miscalculation, 1985 (edited with Harji Malik)
• Delhi: The Deepening Urban Crisis, 1989 (Analytical Writings from Design magazine edited with Ram Dhamija)
• The Golden Temple, 1989
• Gurdwaras in India and Around the World, 1992
• Of Dreams and Demons: An Indian Memoir, 1994
• The Sikhs, 1999
• Garland Around My Neck: The Story of Puran Singh of Pingalwara, 2001 (co-authored with Harinder Kaur Sekhon)
• The World According to Washington: An Asian View, 200
• The Second Partition: Fault-Lines in India’s Democracy, 2007
• Empire of the Sikhs: The Life and Times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, 2009 (co-authored with Jyoti M. Rai)