Hard work is a small virtue in a writer or editor. The bigger virtue is courage. Not foolhardy guts or reckless bravado, but courage in the defence of convictions. At the height of the Khalistan movement, when assassinations and murders were everyday events, Khushwant was among the very few Sikhs to publicly and unsparingly denounce Bhindranwale and his killer squads. Bhindranwale answered even mild criticism, particularly from Sikhs, with a well-aimed bullet or abduction. Khushwant at that time received numerous threats but he persisted in condemning the poison Bhindranwale was spreading. I believe that was his finest hour.
When Khushwant meets the Lord—I hope it will be a while yet—I can predict an engaging contest. Our worldly Sardar will surely attempt to persuade Him that two pegs of Scotch a day will lighten His heavy load!
