Dr K N Malik - An Autobiography

K N Malik’s autobiography has been a very readable and gripping story of a man whose eventful life as a Journalist is full of adventure, exemplary dedication to duty and sociability of high order. His early life was a rare mix of happy times and some very tragic ones which left a deep impression on his mind. However, these experiences appear to have strengthened his resolve to face life in the raw with great determination. Further development of his character was influenced by his joining The Scouts, RSS and indeed, his unflinching love for sports.
His early devastating experience of his family being displaced from their lovely home In Sheikhupura (now Pakistan) left him totally deprived of the love and luxury of a home. He learnt to fend for himself in difficult situations day after day without the family. He then had an innate desire to help others in need facing similar adversity. This desire then drove him to join a charitable organisation called Quaker.
Most significant and admirable traits of his personality are his extreme generosity, capacity to make friends easily wherever he went. His wit, alertness, highly intelligent mind, interesting talking manner and easy charm have always attracted those around him. His early training with Scouts and RSS helped him develop certain virtues such as his utter confidence in the face of hardships, daring attitude and always sticking to the principle of calling a spade a spade.
His working career as a journalist has been rather illustrious – meeting and dealing with, and of course befriending, big wigs of all professional description, ranging from political figures like countries’ Presidents & Prime Ministers and beyond to say the least. His popularity grew immensely during his career with “The Times of India”. He was popularly addressed as “KN” by all those who knew him.
KN’s journalism activities took him around the world on several occasions. Throughout his term with The Times of India, he had great affinity for the university where he post- graduated from. Equally his love for Coffee Houses made it easy for him to meet many dignitaries, and which venues were ideal to discuss professional matters, apart from creating new friendships. He was often invited by the universities (India & abroad) to give lectures on journalism to graduation students. His work on this account was recognised with the title of Honorary Doctorate bestowed upon him. Likewise, he earned numerous laurels in his professional pursuits. However, life was not always smooth sailing for him – ups & downs pattern of every life as expected! A worrisome situation arose during the national emergency imposed by the then Indira Gandhi government. KN continued his reporting on the events of the day in his usual unbiased, open and frank style. His fearless, factual and independent reporting appeared to have put some in the government at risk of being exposed. As a consequence KN was told to transfer to London where he continued with his professional work involving varied activities. Nevertheless, his work with The Times of India had left an indelible mark on his conscience for good which he loved dearly and missed, even to this day.
Whilst in London, KN continued to visit India with his wife Lily on a regular basis for 2 to 3 months each year. He always chose to stay in India International Centre (IIC) where he was always a privileged guest. This venue provided him the facility to meet up socially with all his family & friends left behind in India.
After retirement, KN decided to return to India. But this had to be called off upon Lily’s wise counsel in favour of staying back for sake of avoiding interruption to the education of the two young sons in the UK. This decision to stay back brought big relief to all his local friends who by now had close bonds with the Malik family.
KN has always been very closely attached to his near and dear ones, whether family or friends. In return they have given him lots of affection and support throughout. He recognises that this support has been one of the main causes of his exemplary success in life. KN will have left behind a legacy of brave and impartial journalism. To sum up his life, with all the varied activities he has done, and still continues to do, something great and worthwhile will have been achieved. KN is indeed a blessed being. All those who have known him would like to extend their affections and best wishes for his health and long life.