Book unveils the food stories of India’s PM’s

New Delhi: Politics, diplomacy and history often dominate the narrative around India’s Prime Ministers, but a new book takes a more personal route-through their kitchens, dining tables and food memories. The Prime Minister’s Table: Delicacies & Diplomacies from the Era of Nehru to Modi, written by senior journalists Purabi Shridhar and Sanghita Singh, was launched at The Park, New Delhi, bringing together intimate anecdotes about the culinary preferences and family lives of several former Prime Ministers. The book launch brought together members of former Prime Ministers’ families, senior personalities and the authors. Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, and grandsonof former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, attended the event as Guest of Honour and formally launched the book. Maneka Gandhi was also present at the book launch.

The evening opened with a welcome address by Aditya Rakheja, Publisher, Manjul Publishing House. Introducing the book, Rakheja said it offers an intimate way of looking at India’s history through the dining table, where food has played a role in building bridges and shaping diplomacy. He also thanked the families of former Prime Ministers for helping bring personal memories and stories to life, while highlighting the nine years of research undertaken by authors Purabi Shridhar and Sanghita Singh.

The event offered several glimpses into the private lives of political figures through memories shared by their families. Recalling his childhood in the household of Chaudhary Charan Singh, Jayant Chaudhary said, “Ghee was put on everything in my household when I was growing up. Father used to massage his head with mango ‘gutli’; no idea why he did that.”

Richa Singh, granddaughter of former Prime Minister V.P. Singh, spoke about the family’s culinary traditions and the influence of Rajasthani food. “Traditional Rajasthani cuisine-his mother brought up the cuisine. Before that, it was a mixed table. We never used to eat out; the only place we went to was IIC. And car rides to India Gate to have some ice creams,” she recalled. For the authors, the book was not simply about documenting what India’s Prime Ministers ate. It was an attempt to present them as ordinary people with personal routines, family traditions and individual tastes. Explaining the idea behind the project, Sanghita Singh and Purabi Shridhar said, “The idea was to humanize them. To take you to their homes, kitchen and dining table. We either put PMs on a pedestal or just put them down. We want to make them real for readers. That was what India was about. We were simple; there was so much camaraderie. The essence of living is to enjoy the simplicity.” Anil Shastri, son of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, offered another perspective, recalling that his father was not particularly interested in food and had a small appetite. “Father was not a foodie, and a small eater. He would occasionally take us to places to enjoy delicacies,” he said.

N. V. Subhash, grandson of former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao, recalled a household where vegetarian food, hospitality and discussions about health were closely intertwined. “Father was a pakka vegetarian. Anyone who came to the house was fed — dal, rasam, chawal, papad and idlis. Once we had exchanged mangoes and South Indian gunpowder with Pakistan. For all recipes, he gave a lecture on why the food is good for health,” he said.

The conversation also turned to the food preferences of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Rajiv Makin recalled Vajpayee’s affection for traditional Delhi food and sweets. “Vajpayee Ji was very fond of chaat papdi from Purani Delhi. He would always say yes to any kind of dessert. He also could not say no to fish,” Makin said.

Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, described the book as an intersection of food, culture and politics. “This book helps us discover the gastronomical preferences of all our Prime Ministers. It is a bridge between the cultural and political history of India,” she said.

The launch was followed by a panel discussion moderated by author Kishore Singh. The panel featured Anil Shastri, son of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri; Richa Singh, granddaughter of former Prime Minister V.P. Singh; N. V. Subash, grandson of former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao; Rajiv Makin, former Director of ITDC; and authors Purabi Shridhar and Sanghita Singh. The discussion brought together personal anecdotes that moved beyond official biographies and political milestones. Memories ranged from Lal Bahadur Shastri’s modest eating habits and the importance of ghee in the Chaudhary household to P. V. Narasimha Rao’s strict vegetarian table and his habit of explaining the health benefits of recipes. The panel also revisited V.P. Singh’s family memories of eating out rarely, visits to the India International Centre and drives to India Gate for ice cream. Vajpayee’s fondness for Purani Delhi’s chaat papdi, desserts and fish added another colourful detail to the collection of recollections.

With its focus on food as a window into personalities, relationships and cultural traditions, The Prime Minister’s Table seeks to offer readers a different perspective on India’s political history. By bringing together memories from the families and associates of former Prime Ministers, the book connects the country’s public political journey with the more intimate world of homes, kitchens and dining tables.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Purna Singh

[email protected]

Purna Singh Yadav is an experienced journalist specializing in politics and general reporting. With over 3 years of writing expertise in political as well as general reporting. Purna has completed her post-graduation from Amity University with specialization in public relations and advertising. When she is not immersed in writing, she can be found spending time watching movies. With three years of experience as a frontline journalist, she has honed her craft in various genres, including entertainment, crime, and education. Purna's diverse family history and embrace of cultures as well as good communication skills have enriched her writing with unique perspectives.

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