Kasturba was an expert cook. Her culinary
skills were of no use when Bapu started refraining from choice in eating. In
spite of that, she would sometimes make his favorite dishes. She was fond of
making and offering choicest dishes to others and enjoy them herself. During
her last sickness, she was in Agha Khan palace. She used to suggest Manu to
make something special for Dr. Gilder’s breakfast. Once she asked Manu to
make Puranpoli (sweet stuffed roti). She said, “I will also relish it today.
Ask Bapu if he would have it too!”
Kasturba was not keeping well and a heavy food
like Puranpoli would aggravate her cardiac condition. When Manu asked
Gandhiji about this, he did remember it. He said, “Yes, I would have it only
if Ba would keep away from it.” Kasturba didn’t at all hesitate in deciding,
she said, “Accepted! I won’t eat it.” Later, she served the puranpoli to
Bapu and others but refrained from eating it as promised.