When their father died at an early age, his older brother Jagdish Chandra became head of the family, and KC his best friend and future business partner.

KC attended Government College, Lahore, where his scholastic aptitude shone through.

At the University of Cambridge, he earned Honours, played hockey, and took a keen interest in rowing.

After graduating, he joined Messrs. Martin & Company, where he edited the monthly magazine INDIA and, briefly, the Hindustan Review.

In 1942, KC was appointed Head of the Indian Purchasing Mission in the United States.