Sonia Gandhi Reflects on the Heartbreaking Loss of Her First Child in New Memoir

New Delhi, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : Sonia Gandhi, the prominent Congress leader, has opened up about a deeply painful chapter in her life in her memoir “Belonging: A Journey of Love.” She recounts the tragic loss of her first child shortly after birth, a moment that forever changed her and her husband, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

In the book, Gandhi describes the joyous anticipation that filled the Gandhi household during her pregnancy. However, the atmosphere shifted drastically after the birth of their son on January 18, 1969. Despite appearing healthy, the newborn tragically passed away just hours later.

Sonia recalls the moment she first heard her baby’s cry while he was in an incubator. Rajiv later brought her to see their son, who had thick black hair and delicate fingers. They were instantly smitten, but their joy was short-lived as doctors delivered the devastating news of their child’s passing.

Reflecting on this harrowing experience, Sonia expressed how unbearable the grief was. “No, it couldn’t be true. I kept asking why this happened. We were both in deep shock, and our hearts were shattered,” she wrote.

Rajiv, too, was profoundly affected by the loss. He shared in her sorrow, shedding tears alongside her. During this difficult time, Sonia’s mother-in-law, the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, interrupted her official duties to support them at the hospital. Sonia described how Indira embraced them, her eyes swollen and red from crying, offering comfort during their darkest hours.

The memoir also details the painful decision regarding their child’s final farewell. Although it was customary to immerse the body in a river, Sonia and her family ultimately chose to bury their son at the farmhouse of Feroze Gandhi in South Delhi after much discussion. “It was an incredibly painful decision, but we had no other option,” she wrote.

For years afterward, Sonia and Rajiv would visit the burial site, often placing flowers near the bougainvillea plants as a tribute to their lost child. The memories linger, a poignant reminder of their sorrow and love.