LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah, the respected philanthropist and community leader, died peacefully on January 7. He was 99 years old. Dr. Marwah dedicated his life to the Indian American and greater Los Angeles communities in arts, culture, education, and humanitarian endeavors.
In the early 1950s, he arrived in the U.S. on a Fulbright scholarship, settling later in California where he became a successful dentist and a favorite of Hollywood celebrities. He also invested in real estate, but it was his deep commitment to his community that defined his legacy.
In 1969, Dr. Marwah was instrumental in the establishment of the Hollywood Sikh Temple, which was the first Sikh temple in Southern California. His donation of the building and property became the basis of a thriving Sikh community in Los Angeles. His advocacy for Sikhs’ rights and recognition in the U.S. helped the Indian American achieve political milestones in the country, such as Dalip Singh Saund’s ascension to Congress in 1957. Saund was the first Asian American elected to Congress and Marwah served as his campaign manager.
Dr. Marwah on getting the first Indian-American elected to U.S. Congress
He also served in education; he established KK Marwah Girls College in Punjab and donated funds to Mahindra College in Patiala. In humanitarian efforts, he improved rural Indian village infrastructures and granted scholarships to the students.
As a civic leader, Dr. Marwah also provided his expertise to Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, and he served on different city commissions for 18 years from 1975-1993. He donated his entire salary back to the city during his tenure.
His Marwah Ranch in Malibu served as a venue for countless festivities, from lavish weddings and community events to hosting former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
He is survived by three daughters and their families.
