Darkness Defied: The Life & Legacy of Jaswant Singh Khalra by Ajmer Singh

Darkness Defied: The Life and Legacy of Jaswant Singh Khalra by Ajmer Singh is the definitive biography of one of Punjab’s most courageous human rights defenders—now available in English for the first time.

Originally published in Punjabi to critical acclaim and over 20,000 copies sold, this powerful work chronicles the extraordinary life, transformation, and martyrdom of Jaswant Singh Khalra. From a martial Sikh family background and early communist activism to a profound spiritual and political awakening, Khalra’s journey is laid bare through ten compelling chapters.

At its heart is his fearless investigation into Punjab’s “unidentified” bodies, an act of immense moral courage that exposed state-led disappearances and mass cremations during India’s darkest decade. Drawing from rare documents, personal accounts, and the author’s deep political insight, Darkness Defied captures Khalra’s vision, intellect, and ultimate sacrifice.

Written by renowned Sikh historian Ajmer Singh, this is not just a biography, it is a call to memory, justice, and truth.