Kalwinder Singh Dhindsa

Kalwinder Singh Dhindsa is a British Punjabi author, science teacher, mental health activist, and media commentator born in Derby, UK, in 1979. Raised as a Sikh in the Pear Tree area of Normanton, Derby, he is known for his memoir My Father & The Lost Legend of Pear Tree - Part One (2016), which explores his father Mohinder Singh Dhindsa’s suicide in 2006 and his own journey of grief and identity, connected to Derby’s history and local figures in particular.

"My Father & The Lost Legend of Pear Tree is essentially a story about my father’s suicide. In a series of moments in my life I reconnect with Steve Bloomer, a ghostly pale face from the past, who then takes me on a journey of regeneration and discovery. Thus allowing me to eventually come to terms with my father’s death and in the process kick off my quest for happiness. Told in a non-linear time format I take the reader through a journey in time. Recounting how my father, myself and Steve Bloomer all grew up in Pear Tree, Derby and what then became of all our lives."

A true story about a Doctor Who loving Sikh Derby boy and his quest for happiness.

Part Two of MY FATHER & THE LOST LEGEND OF PEAR TREE was released in May 2018.

He has since published multiple works, including Part Two (2018), poetry collections like Pear Tree Rambler (2018) and Pear Tree Rampage (2019), and children’s books such as Punjabi Alphabet Activity Book (2016).

Dhindsa is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, particularly in Asian communities, drawing from his personal loss. He has spoken at schools, media outlets like BBC Radio Derby, and events like the Derby Silk Mill Book Festival.

A dedicated Derby County FC supporter, he has led community campaigns, including fundraising for headstones for football pioneers Archie Goodall and Jack Kirby and bronze statues for managers Brian Clough and Peter Taylor.

In 2012, he designed the first Sikh poppy khanda holder, raising funds for the Royal British Legion. He is also involved in local heritage, collaborating with groups and exploring Derby’s history.

His hobbies include playing the bongo drums.

Kal is married with two children and still lives in Derby.

Follow him on BlueSky : @KhalSir

Books Released.

My Father & The Lost Legend of Pear Tree - Part One (2016).

Punjabi Alphabet Activity Book (2016).

Homelands Revisited (2017).

Punjabi Number Activity Book (2017).

Punjabi Exercise Book (2017).

Punjabi Activity Book (2017).

My Father & The Lost Legend of Pear Tree - Part Two (2018)

The Colour of Madness: Exploring BAME mental health in the UK (2018)

Pear Tree Rambler (2018).

Pear Tree Rampage (2019).

Pear Tree Rampart (2019).

Pear Tree Ram - The Collected Edition (2019).

Little Pear Tree Ram - Children's Edition (2019).

Derby (2020).

nor MAN ton (2020).

Portland Maverick (2021).

The Colour of Madness: Mental Health and Race in Technicolour (2022).

Turnstyle: The SABR Journal of Baseball Arts: Issue 3 (2023).

ESC 0 BAR (2023).

The Colour of Madness: 65 Writers Reflect on Race and Mental Health Paperback (2024).

WOR POEMS (2025).

SOB (2025).

Colour (2026).