Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah, a pioneering dental surgeon, dedicated community leader, and generous philanthropist, passed away on January 7 at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy that spans across two continents and has enriched countless lives. Just one month shy of his 99th birthday, Dr. Marwah’s passing marks the end of a life defined by professional excellence and heartfelt commitment to both his local and global communities.
Born into a lineage of physicians in Kotkapura, Punjab, Dr. Marwah embarked on his distinguished career at dental college in Lahore, graduating in 1947. His early years in Punjab were just the beginning of an international journey that saw him earning acclaim and accolades far beyond his homeland. After four years of practice as a dentist in India, his potential was recognized with a Fulbright scholarship in 1953, which brought him to New York for postgraduate work with the Guggenheim Dental Foundation.
A year later, further opportunities led him to the University of Illinois Dental College in Chicago, where he completed his Master of Science in dentistry. In a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence, he obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Howard University in Washington D.C. in 1956. Dr. Marwah eventually established his practice in Malibu, California, where he not only catered to Hollywood’s elite—including renowned figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and Sidney Poitier—but also devoted his skills to serving low-income patients at USC’s Dental Clinic.
Dr. Marwah’s influence stretched far beyond the realm of dentistry. An ardent believer in civic duty, he was actively involved in politics and community affairs both in the United States and in India. In the U.S., he notably supported Dalip Singh Saund, the first Asian congressperson in American history, demonstrating an early commitment to breaking racial and cultural barriers. His deep devotion to his Sikh faith and community also shone through his philanthropic initiatives. During the 500th anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak, he donated the land and funds necessary to establish the Hollywood Sikh Temple, and he later played a key role in both constructing and renovating the Los Angeles gurdwara.
Dr. Marwah’s legacy in education is equally remarkable. He generously funded scholarships for over 100 Indian-American students and made substantial contributions to his alma maters. At Howard University College of Dentistry, his $300,000 donation led to the establishment of The Marwah Comprehensive Care Clinic, while a $250,000 contribution at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry resulted in the creation of the Dr. Amarjit S. Marwah & Mrs. Kuljit K. Marwah Faculty Endowment Fund.
His commitment to social causes was not confined to the United States. Back home in India, Dr. Marwah co-founded the Bank of Punjab—a venture alongside Dr. Inderjit Singh of Punjab and Sindh Bank—that underscored his enduring dedication to economic development. He invested Rs. 12 crore in various humanitarian and educational causes throughout Punjab, including the establishment of KK Marwah Girls College in Faridkot (named in honor of his late wife, Kuljit Kaur Marwah) and the construction of an auditorium at Mahindra College in Patiala, commemorating his mother-in-law, Kartar Kaur Sodhi.
In addition to his many contributions, Dr. Marwah’s life was also documented for posterity. In 2023, filmmaker Mridu Chandra conducted an in-depth interview with him for a documentary that explores the historic journey of Dalip Singh Saund as America’s first Asian, Indian, and Sikh congressperson.
Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah’s extraordinary journey—from a small town in Punjab to a distinguished career serving both Hollywood and the underserved—exemplifies a life dedicated not only to excellence in his profession but also to the upliftment of communities. His trailblazing achievements and unwavering commitment to service will continue to inspire future generations across the globe.
