One of India's most prolific writers and journalists, Khushwant Singh, passed away at his home in the national capital Thursday at the age of 99, his family said.

Singh, considered to have set the benchmark for English writing in India, breathed his last at 12:55 p.m. (local time), his son Rahul Singh told the media in the national capital.

Born in 1915 in what is now Pakistan, Singh, a Sikh, penned dozens of novels, including the famous 'Train to Pakistan,' and short story collections. He had also edited a number of magazines and newspapers in the 1970s and 1980s.

He had also served as a member of parliament and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second-highest civilian award, given by the Indian government.

Indian Prime Minister tweeted: "A gifted author, candid commentator and a dear friend. He lived a truly creative life." Endi

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