Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister and celebrated economist, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. Known as the architect of India’s economic liberalization in the 1990s and serving two terms as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Singh’s legacy continues to shape modern India.
Simple man with simple choices
Dr. Singh was widely admired for his humility, both in his political life and personal preferences. Beyond his governance and diplomacy, his love for simple food reflected his grounded personality. Among his favorite dishes was kadhi chawal, a comforting yoghurt-based North Indian delicacy, and curd rice, a dish served with papad, pomegranate, and pickles. Known to be a cooling dish, curd rice was a staple for him during the summer season.
Despite being a disciplined eater, especially avoiding desserts due to his diabetes, Singh’s fondness for these simple, homemade dishes remained constant. His wife, Gursharan Kaur, carefully monitored his diet, ensuring he stuck to his healthy eating habits even while traveling.
An occasion when Singh decided to have this non-vegetarian dish
An interesting story about Dr. Singh’s culinary preferences came during a trip to Bangladesh. He surprised many by expressing his willingness to break his vegetarian vow to try hilsa fish, a Bengali delicacy cherished on both sides of the India-Bangladesh border.
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“I’ve heard about the delicious dish of hilsa fish. So, I am willing to make that exception,” Singh said in an interview with the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) news agency. Hilsa, prepared in various ways-from steaming in mustard to baking in plantain leaves-is celebrated for its rich flavor.
Known for his remarkable humility and quiet strength, Dr. Manmohan Singh was a leader who inspired millions. His love for simple meals, like kadhi chawal, mirrored the simplicity and discipline with which he lived his life.
