Karan Singh was born into the royal family of Kashmir, his father being the Maharaja. At the age of eighteen, he was appointed the Regent of Kashmir. He also served as the Governor of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. When the Independence of India took place, his family decided that Kashmir should remain a part of India. Dr. Singh has served as Chancellor of three universities. Dr. Singh was a Member of Parliament in India and is a noted author of several books on philosophy and a leader in the worldwide Interfaith movement.