New Delhi, December 28, 2024: The late Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s daughter, Daman Singh, has shared a heartfelt story about her father’s difficult days during his time at Cambridge University. In her book Strictly Personal: Manmohan and Gursharan, Daman reveals that during his student years, Dr. Singh faced severe financial struggles. There was a time when he had to skip meals due to a lack of money and survived on chocolates to get through the day.
Dr. Singh, who studied economics at Cambridge in the late 1950s, received only a small scholarship of 160 pounds from Punjab University, while his tuition and living expenses amounted to 600 pounds. He relied on his father for the rest of the funds. Despite these challenges, Dr. Singh lived frugally, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and never drank beer or wine.
In her book, Daman Singh also recalls her father’s love for family get-togethers, where he would often sing, performing the famous ghazal Lagtā Nahīn Hai Jī Merā by Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and the poem Ākhāṁ Vārīs Shāh Nū… by Amrita Pritam. She also fondly mentions his sharp sense of humor, noting how he would give playful nicknames to family members, calling her mother “Gurudev” and her sisters “Kik,” “Little Nun,” and “Little Ram.”
These personal stories offer a glimpse into the life of one of India’s most respected leaders, showcasing his humility, perseverance, and the deep bond he shared with his family.
