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Sikh American pioneer Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah no more
Marwah's life journey was a testament to resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to community service.
Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah (left) / LinkedIn @Dr. Rajwant Singh
Amarjit Singh Marwah, a Sikh-American leader, philanthropist, and activist, passed away on Jan.7 at the age of 98,just weeks shy of his 99th birthday.
Born in Lahore in 1926, Marwah earned his dentistry degree from King Edward Medical College in Lahore, before migrating to the United States as a Fulbright Scholar in 1950. He continued his education, earning advanced degrees from the University of Illinois and Howard University, before eventually establishing himself as a dentist in Malibu.
In the 1960s, Marwah established his dental practice in Los Angeles, becoming the first Indian-American dentist in the city. He soon gained prominence not only as a successful dentist—serving Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and Muhammad Ali—but also as a civic leader and political activist.
In 1956, Marwah played a crucial role in the election of Dalip Singh Saund, the first Sikh, Indian, and Asian-American elected to the U.S. Congress. He worked behind the scenes as Saund’s campaign manager, often staying out of public view because of his turban, as he once explained, "If I showed my turban, he wouldn’t get one vote." Their campaign ultimately made history, winning by just 300 votes.
Marwah also served as a professor at the University of Southern California. In 1973, he was appointed Los Angeles City Commissioner for the Art and Cultural Heritage Commission, a role he held for two decades. During his tenure, he helped secure historic designations for over 200 landmarks, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Marwah's philanthropic efforts were equally remarkable. He donated land for the Hollywood Sikh Temple, established the KK Marwah Girls College in Punjab, and supported underprivileged communities in India through initiatives providing water, electricity, and education.
In the U.S., he funded scholarships for over 100 Indian-American students and supported institutions like Howard University, where he contributed $500,000 for a state-of-the-art dentistry clinic named in his honor.
His contributions earned widespread recognition, including the naming of an intersection in Los Angeles as Amarjit Singh Marwah Square. Despite these accolades, he remained humble, describing his work as "a service to both my motherland and my adopted country."
Marwah is survived by his children and a community that holds his legacy in high regard. His life story is a powerful example of perseverance and giving back, inspiring countless others to follow in his footsteps.
Marwah’s funeral and Antim Ardaas (final prayer) will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Sky Rose Chapel, in Whittier, California, from 8:15 AM to 10:15 AM. A Langar and Bhog (community meal) will follow at the Hollywood Sikh Temple from 1 PM to 3 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to honor his legacy. Donations can be made at http://bit.ly/marwah26.
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