Sonia Gandhi Shares Personal Tragedy in 'Belonging'
In a deeply moving account from her recently published memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, Sonia Gandhi has opened up about one of the most painful experiences of her life: the loss of her first child with husband Rajiv Gandhi in January 1969. The revelation sheds light on a private sorrow experienced by the prominent political family.
Gandhi recounts the immense joy that preceded the tragedy. Her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi, was reportedly overjoyed at the news of the pregnancy, embracing Sonia and exclaiming, “One big baby having another baby!” The family eagerly awaited the new arrival.
Premature Birth and Immediate Love
On January 18, 1969, nearly two months ahead of schedule, Sonia Gandhi delivered a baby boy. She vividly remembers hearing his first cry as he was placed in an incubator. Rajiv later took her to see their son.
“I heard the baby's first cry as he was placed in the incubator. Later, Rajiv took me to see him, a tiny, perfectly formed boy, with thick, black hair and long, slim fingers. We gazed at him together, Rajiv's arm around my shoulder. We fell in love with him immediately,” Gandhi wrote in her memoir.
Despite their instant bond and hopes, the family's happiness was tragically short-lived. The infant passed away at approximately 6:30 AM the next morning.
Overwhelming Grief and Indira Gandhi's Support
The news of their baby’s death left both Sonia and Rajiv in shock and heartbreak. Sonia Gandhi described crying inconsolably, while Rajiv, despite his typically reserved demeanor, also wept openly. Indira Gandhi, who was on an official tour, immediately returned to the hospital to console the grieving couple.
The family then faced the difficult decision of the baby's final rites. Sonia was particularly distressed by the suggestion of releasing the newborn into a river. “No matter what, I'm not going to allow our baby to be thrown into the river,” she firmly stated.
Ultimately, the family chose to bury the child at Feroze Gandhi's farmhouse in Mehrauli. Rajiv and his brother Sanjay carried out the burial beneath a pink bougainvillea bush, a spot where the family would later place flowers during visits.
Lasting Impact of the Loss
The profound loss left Sonia Gandhi struggling with depression, feelings of inadequacy, and guilt. Her grief was further compounded by cruel political attacks targeting the family, intensifying her sorrow during an already vulnerable time.