Born in India, Kanwal Prakash (KP) Singh came to the United States in 1965 for higher studies. He has made Indianapolis his home since 1967. KP was educated in India (B.A. from Punjab University; Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Technology in Regional Planning from The Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur) and the United States (Master of City Planning from The University of Michigan).
KP has been a tireless advocate and supporter of historic preservation, cultural diversity, and the importance of arts to life and human spirit. KP considers community service as a major focus and commitment of his Sikh faith and as a civic responsibility. Over the years, he has served as a volunteer on many committees and events. KP is a founding member of The International Center of Indianapolis and serves as a Board Member of the Asian American Alliance; Advisory Board of Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young Persons, Butler University Center on Faith and Vocation, Center for Interfaith Cooperation, Race and Cultural Relations Leadership Network, Indianapolis Police Civilian Merit Board, 2011 FBI Citizens Academy graduate, and other professional and educational institutions. KP participates in interfaith and humanitarian initiatives (Interfaith Hunger Initiative); activities and celebrations of diverse faiths and ethnic communities in Indiana. KP assists with cultural training for Police Officers and TSA personnel; works with teachers, students, civic leaders to create a better understanding of Sikh and other faith traditions and contributions. KP advocates interfacing and mainstreaming ethnic talents, assets to benefit and serve all Americans.
KP is a recipient of many awards and honors: The Daverman Award in Architecture (University of Michigan -1965); The Sagamore of the Wabash (State of Indiana - 1992 and 2015); International Citizen of the Year (International Center of Indianapolis - 1995); Award of Excellence in Arts (Asian American Alliance - 2002); USA NRI Who’s Who (NRIinternet.com - 2004); Miri Piri Award (The Sikh Heritage Foundation of California - 2006); “Men of Distinction” recognition (Indiana Minority Business Magazine - 2008); Sarah Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award (United Way of Central Indiana - 2010); Dr. Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award (SALDEF - 2010); Creativity Focus Award (SAFF-2010); Wilbur Peat Award for Outstanding Contribution and Appreciation of Indiana’s Architectural Heritage (Society of Architectural Historians - 2011); Spirit of Baisakhi Award (Los Angeles – 2011); Hoosier Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award (Heritage Place - 2011); featured in Indianapolis Super Bowl XLVI Faces Project (2012); FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (2014); Indianapolis Mayor’s Community Service Award (2014); Legacy Award (Butler University - 2016); Interfaith Ambassador of the Year – (Center for Interfaith Cooperation - 2016); Inducted as the First Honorary Member of the Penrod Society – (2016); Indiana Bicentennial Celebration “Ignite the Future” Speaker – (2016); The Golden Hoosier Award (State of Indiana − 2017). Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (Butler University - December 16, 2017); Constellation Award (Indy Asian American Times, April 2018).
K.P. Singh Designs, founded in 1972, specializes in fine arts. KP's distinctive, finely executed pen and ink drawings of historic architecture and monuments in India, Europe, USA, and other places reflect the combined skills of an architect, artist, historian, and an educator. His art and advocacy have continued to heighten our awareness of the special place of significant buildings and sites in the visual, cultural, and spiritual fabric of our communities. KP's drawings of architectural landmarks: Indiana courthouses, colleges, places of worship, and other historic sites are present at many fundraising events and his artwork is in many public and private collections in the USA and around the world. His drawings of sacred places of major faiths were featured in the 2007 and 2011 SikhLens-Sikhpoint Interfaith Calendar. In 2007, three of KP’s original drawings were installed in The Sikh Heritage Gallery at The Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
KP's art and words are a constant reminder of his passion and commitment to preservation and celebration of our unique and outstanding architectural, artistic, and cultural assets and treasures as the collective heritage of human civilization. His art and writings featured in several print and online ethnic newspapers, newsmagazines, and other publications offer diverse perspectives and reflect his serious interest in the matters of spirit. KP’s book, The Art and Spirit of K.P. Singh ~ Selected Drawings and Writings (Guild Press - Emmis Publishing, 2003), offers a rich sampling of his writings and drawings. His writings reveal cultural insights, personal journey, and respect for diverse ideas and inspirations; universal and common human struggles and triumphs; cultural advocacy and inalienable rights; study, learning, networking, and serving to enhance our collective promise to life, freedom, and happiness.
KP is a frequent guest speaker and participant in community, cultural, and interfaith events and celebrations. For additional information, visit: www.KPSinghDesigns.com Follow KP on Facebook.
