HARDIT SINGH MALIK

Sirdar Hardit Singh (23.11.1894 – 31.10.1985), son of Sirdar Mohan Singh, was born at Rawalpindi (Pakistan). He received his early education from a private tutor at his home. In 1908, he was sent to England, where he studied up to 1915. He passed his B.A. degree with Honours in History.

In 1916, he joined French Red Cross. In 1917, he became a pilot with the Royal Air Force. He returned home in 1919. The same year he passed Indian Civil Services examination. In 1922, he was appointed as Assistant Commissioner of the Sheikhupura district. In 1930, he was appointed as deputy trade commissioner. He spent the next 4 years in England and Germany. In 1934, he was appointed deputy secretary in the Commerce ministry. In 1937 he was sent to Canada as trade commissioner. In 1939, he was transferred to the U.S.A.

In 1944, he was appointed as the prime minister of Patiala State. In 1947, he was appointed as the Indian High Commissioner in Canada. He also served as the Indian Ambassador to France. He retired in 1957. He spent his last days at Delhi.

When Master Tara Singh undertook fast unto death on August 15, 1961, for the formation of the Punjabi Suba, he played an important role. It was he who offered juice to Master Tara Singh to break his fast on October 1, 1961. He died at Delhi in 1985.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)