Book earns ‘excellent’ feedback’

A Wishaw author has spoken of his pride after publishing his second book.

Ranveer Singh, from Newmains, has been hailed by a whole host of academics following the release of Patshahi Mehima – Revisiting Sikh Sovereignty.

The book was seven years in the making with Ranveer combining his research and writing along with work and raising a family.

Speaking to the Wishaw Press, Ranveer said: “My family are really proud, my mum and dad especially.

“My wife has been incredibly supportive as a lot of the writing and researching was done while the kids were in bed.

“I’d be writing into the early hours of the morning.

“Before lockdown I would be commuting to Edinburgh for work then spending time with the kids before starting on the book. That’s why it took seven years to complete.”

Ranveer’s book details the history of the Sikh religion with a starting point being the 1984 attack by Indian security forces on the Golden Temple, the holiest site for Sikhs, located in Amritsar, Punjab.

His work also explores 550 years of history including Britain’s controversial role in the country.

“I’ve looked at why that particular attack happened and almost 40 years later why Sikhs continue to be persecuted in India,” said Ranveer.

“I’ve also l ooked at Britain’s role during the time of Empire.

“The feedback I have got from academics who specialise in this field has been excellent so I think if people read the book they will get a different perspective on history, it’s quite unique.”

Ranveer also revealed that his latest book has a fan in the form of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who he met along with a number of MSPs at an event in Edinburgh.

He also confirmed plans to write a third book, a historical novel which is already in the works.

He added: “It was kind of last minute but I was asked to come along to an event in Edinburgh where a number of MSPs were there including the First Minister.

“I was really pleased with the reaction the book got and we had a pleasant chat after it where we talked about a number of issues such as decolonising the curriculum.

“I’ve already started writing the novel, which I have found very liberating as I have more artistic licence. It’s not quite as stressful so I’m really enjoying it.”

You can order Ranveer’s book Patshahi Mehima – Revisiting Sikh Sovereignty on Amazon and Waterstones.