Manmohan Singh’s Cambridge Struggles: There Were Days When He Lived on Chocolate Alone

Financial Hardships: Surviving on Sixpence Chocolate Bars

December 28, 2024: Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s daughter, Daman Singh, offered a rare glimpse into his early struggles at Cambridge University in her book “Strictly Personal: Manmohan and Gursharan.”

While pursuing his First Class Honours degree in Economics in the 1950s, financial hardships defined Singh’s journey. His scholarship from Punjab University covered only a fraction of his annual tuition and living expenses, leaving him dependent on his father’s support.

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“When money from home was delayed, he sometimes skipped meals or relied on a sixpence bar of Cadbury’s chocolate,” Daman Singh revealed in her book. Despite these challenges, he never borrowed money, showcasing his deep-rooted values of self-reliance and integrity.

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Academic Excellence Amid Adversity:
After topping his first-year Tripos examination, Singh wrote to his friend Madan Lal Sudan, expressing his wish to avoid further financial dependence.

“I think I will get some prize worth about 20 pounds… but I am not so greedy. I prefer to wait till next year,” he humbly wrote.

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A Personal Side of Manmohan Singh:
Beyond his academic and political life, Daman Singh paints a picture of her father’s softer side—his love for singing, humour, and creative nicknames. He would sing ‘Lagta Nahin Hai Ji Mera’ and Amrita Pritam’s ‘Aakhan Waris Shah Noon’ during family gatherings.

He also gave endearing nicknames to family members, including calling his wife Gursharan Kaur ‘Gurudev’ and their pet dog Penu playful names like ‘Nut Babu’ and ‘Douse Fellow.’

A Legacy of Resilience:
Manmohan Singh’s early life is a testament to resilience, humility, and perseverance. His journey from financial struggles at Cambridge to leading India as its Prime Minister reflects a story of unwavering determination and quiet strength.

Daman Singh’s heartfelt anecdotes offer an intimate perspective into the life of one of India’s most respected leaders, reminding us of the human side behind the towering figure of Dr. Manmohan Singh.

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Manmohan Singh, Cambridge Days, Financial Struggles, Daman Singh, Strictly Personal, Indian Prime Minister, Student Life, Inspirational Journey, Humility, Family Anecdotes, Economic Reforms, Leadership Story