Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah, Influential Community Leader, Passes Away At 99
India-West Staff Reporter
MALIBU, CA – Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah, a revered philanthropist and community leader, passed away peacefully here in the early morning hours of January 7 at the age of 99. Known for his unwavering dedication to both the Sikh and broader communities, Dr. Marwah’s contributions spanned various sectors, including arts, culture, education, and humanitarian work.
A man of humble beginnings, Dr. Marwah’s journey to Los Angeles started when he arrived in the U.S. on a Fulbright scholarship in 1950. He later settled in California in 1962, where he became a prominent dentist, providing care to many Hollywood celebrities. His business acumen extended beyond dentistry, with investments in real estate. However, it was his unwavering commitment to his community that truly defined his life.
His legacy was shaped by his generosity, a trait repeatedly emphasized during the ceremony marking the naming of the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Finley Street in Los Angeles in his honor. The honorary square was dedicated by the City of Los Angeles on February 3, 2019, just one day before his 93rd birthday.
The event commemorated Dr. Marwah’s pivotal role in establishing the Hollywood Sikh Temple, the first Sikh temple in the United States, in 1969. The temple’s success was made possible through his generous donation of the building and property, laying the foundation for a vibrant Sikh community in Los Angeles.
In the US, he advocated for the rights and recognition of Sikhs. His efforts to support Dalip Singh Saund’s successful campaign for Congress in the 1950s marked a significant moment in the history of Indian American political involvement.
Dr. Marwah was also a passionate advocate for education. He founded the KK Marwah Girls College in Faridkot and funded the construction of an auditorium at Mahindra College in Patiala, both in Punjab. Both institutions were named in honor of his late wife, Kuljit K. Marwah, to who he was married for 69 years and whose contributions to the community were equally significant. The couple also supported various scholarships and initiatives, helping students from diverse backgrounds achieve their dreams.
He made a lasting impact by improving infrastructure in rural villages. He adopted two villages, Guru Ki Dhab and Guru Nanak Basti, where he facilitated the construction of modern amenities such as clean water systems, sewage networks, and paved roads, transforming these communities. His humanitarian work earned him statues in his honor in both villages.
Dr. Marwah was also deeply involved in civic leadership. He served for 18 years in various positions under Los Angeles Mayor Thomas J. Bradley’s administration, including as Commissioner for Art and Cultural Heritage and Commissioner of Planning. In these roles, he played a key part in securing historic status for over 200 landmarks, including Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. He is known to have donated his entire salary for these positions back to the city.
In his later years, Marwah remained active in the Los Angeles community, attending events and continuing his charitable work. The City of Los Angeles and the Consulate General of India in San Francisco honored his contributions.
Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah’s passing leaves a profound void in the community, but his legacy of kindness, leadership, and generosity will continue to inspire generations to come.
He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law and their families. A family statement said funeral details would be announced soon and added, “Your prayers, presence and love mean everything to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.”
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Raj Bhalla
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So sorry to learn the passing of an icon whose indelible legacy of compassion, charity and faith will remain everlasting not only in the State of California but amongst the entire Indian American community especially the Punjabis across the United States. We pray to the Almighty to bless his soul with eternal peace.
January 7, 2025Vinod Joshi MD
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Sad to hear the news of such a great human being fellow Malibu resident, philanthropist, and helpful. I certainly will miss him. My prayers are with the family.
January 7, 2025Daljit (Dean) Singh
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I am extremely sad to hear the passing of Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah, through this paper. I met him in the early sixties soon after I arrived in California for higher education. During those times, there were hardly any places to worship and interact socially with other Indians in Southern California. Dr. Marwah and his family were very generous hosts who extended invitations to most students in Los Angeles County for Sunday Sikh religious services and the reading of Guru Granth Sahib, which were in their living room at home. There was always a Langar after the services. Their home became a place for news from India and a popular meeting place before the establishment of the current Los Angeles Gurudwaras and other social services institutions. He was a gifted pioneer in Southern California who saw the need for ever-growing student numbers in the local universities and warmly extended a helping hand to those in need. He was a wise sage. May God bless him!
January 8, 2025Rajinder Sharma
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Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah had a very genius and generous personality, R.I.P.
January 9, 2025Maria Gutierrez
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I was thinking of him because of the fires…. Was sad to read this. I had the pleasure of meeting him and staying at his malibu property. Was so kind to us. Shared his property with us and I will never forget how brilliant he was. Huge loss. RIP
January 9, 2025RAJENDIR K SHARMA
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I am saddened to hear the death of Dr. Marwah. I once visited his daughter’s house in Anaheim Hills and had a casual hallow while he was departing from there. In addition, when my father bought the Arya Samaj building in Huntington Park, he came over and donated a generous amount of $1,000, a big mount then. My condolences to Dr Marwah’s family and relatives. May God bless him.
January 9, 2025Deepak
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Mama ji was most welcoming, when we visited him a few years ago, from tea at home to dinner at his favorite restaurant. Also, about a decade or so ago when he was the Chief guest at an Indian doctors’ conference, in his speech, he advised participants: No one cares for the weak, so work honestly to unknown heights. My cousin, Dr. Jagdish Chopra, who attended the conference, shared this view, unaware that Rekha is related to him. Khudi ko kar buland itna ….. Jagdish bhapa, who is a Punjabi poet himself, summarized at that time, Mama Ji’s message in speech with a line of his own poem wording, the exact Panjabi wording of that line, I don’t remember, but the message of that line was : ‘Earlier generations worked hard to improve our lives; let us work to improve the life of future generations’ May his soul rest in peace.
January 9, 2025Deepak and Rekha Dhawan and children Calgary Canada
Jagdish Chopra MD
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Our heart felt condolences to the family of Dr Amarjit Singh Marwah.
January 9, 2025What a wonderful soul.
I met him several years back when he was the chief guest at the meeting of Amritsar Medical and Dental Alumni of North America meeting.
A man of high stature but full of humility. He has been and will be an inspiration for everyone who was fortunate enough to come in contact with him.
Wg Cdr Anil Kumar Arora , Grandson of Dr Hansraj Nindra
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It’s really a sad news about passing away of Amarjeet uncle. We really cherish the days and hours spent with him. He was an inspiration for all of us – distant relatives. He always left a mark on us. We remember his love and affection towards us, especially my mom ( he used to call her Sudesh behanji).
January 9, 2025We all pray forbthe departed noble soul. May Guruji Maharaj give him place is his Lotus feet.
He will be missed by everyone who came across him in his life. RIP uncle.