Sonia Gandhi Recounts Heartbreaking Loss of Firstborn in New Memoir

Sonia Gandhi Recounts Heartbreaking Loss of Firstborn in New Memoir

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Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has opened up about a deeply personal tragedy in her newly released autobiography, Belonging: A Journey of Love, detailing the premature birth and death of her first child in January 1969, according to coverage in The Times of India.

The memoir, published by HarperCollins and released on Tuesday as reported by India Today and Rediff, recounts how she and her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi, lost their firstborn just days after the pregnancy appeared to be progressing with joy and anticipation.

Pregnancy and the Early Loss in January 1969

In September 1968, the Gandhi household was filled with happiness upon learning of Sonia Gandhi’s pregnancy. Even Indira Gandhi, known for her stern demeanor, embraced her daughter-in-law with excitement, exclaiming that it was One big baby having another baby! During her pregnancy, Sonia experienced cravings for Java plum, Indian cherry, and orange Fanta, sometimes drinking up to twelve glasses a day, while Indira closely monitored her diet, walks, and exercise.

However, at the beginning of the seventh month, Sonia began experiencing mild abdominal pain and uneasiness. After being rushed to the hospital, she gave birth to a premature baby boy on January 18, 1969, two months ahead of her due date.

Although initially overjoyed upon hearing the infant’s first cry and gazing at the tiny, perfectly formed boy, with thick, black hair and long, slim fingers, the family’s happiness was extremely short-lived. Sonia recalls that We fell in love with him immediately, but the newborn passed away barely a day later at 6:30 in the morning. Both parents were left devastated, with Sonia crying inconsolably and Rajiv weeping despite his strict upbringing.

Indira Gandhi, who was away on a tour, immediately interrupted her travels and flew back, reaching the hospital late at night with red and swollen eyes to comfort the grieving couple.

The Dilemma Over Final Rites and Burial at Mehrauli

Following the infant’s death, the family faced a painful question regarding the newborn’s last rites. Traditional Hindu practices for newborns dictated that the child could not be cremated and was traditionally released into a river.

Revolted by the thought and recalling a disturbing memory of seeing a swollen body trapped near the Okhla barrage, Sonia whispered, No, I couldn’t do that to my baby, no matter how sacred the river was, refusing to consent to a method she felt was alien and heartless.

Ultimately, Rajiv and his brother, Sanjay Gandhi, decided on an alternative option. They buried the baby deep under a blooming pink bougainvillea bush on the left side along the inner boundary wall of Feroze Gandhi’s farmhouse in Mehrauli. The family would frequently visit the property and place a flower over the spot.

Coping, Controversy, and the Birth of Rahul Gandhi

The emotional toll of the tragedy was further compounded by what Sonia describes in her memoir as intense personal grief, feelings of inadequacy, and a malicious article published by a right-wing opposition newspaper titled, Indira Gandhi failed in her attempt to become the grandmother of a bastard child.

Months later, in October 1969, Sonia shared with Rajiv that she was pregnant once again. Anxious yet thrilled, she gave birth to their second child, Rahul Gandhi, on June 19, 1970.

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