[1] K. L. Gauba was born on the day of Krishna Janmashtami in 1899 to prominent businessman Lala Harkishen Lal and his mother who was the daughter of police inspector Malik Amirchand.
His childhood was filled with material luxury and exposure to Lahore's politics and high society due to his father's illustrious career and connections.
Educated in upper class schools as well as English tutors, Gauba excelled at reading and writing from an early age, and published in Spink's Journal and Hindustan Review as a teenager.
Hindu press reacted strongly against the conversion and politician Bhai Parmanand claimed that Gauba must be mentally ill. Gauba went on to represent Muslim clients in high profile cases, and in 1933 won a seat in the Indian Legislative Assembly in a highly contested election against a Muslim League candidate.
Having never visited the United States, he relied on sources sent by friends, including Chicago Commission on Race Relations and True Story (magazine).