World · India Bureau
Sonia Gandhi recalls loss of firstborn son in new memoir
In her upcoming memoir, Congress president Sonia Gandhi reflects on the tragic death of her first child, who died shortly after birth. The Italian-born politician describes how her late husband Rajiv Gandhi, despite his reserved demeanor, showed profound grief at the loss.
LSN India ·
Sonia Gandhi has opened up about one of the most painful moments of her life in her forthcoming memoir, recounting the death of her firstborn son who passed away immediately after birth. The Congress leader writes candidly about the emotional toll the tragedy took on both herself and her husband, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Describing the infant's death, Gandhi reflects on how deeply the couple had bonded with their son despite his brief time with them. "We fell in love with him," she writes in the memoir, underscoring the profound attachment they formed during the brief period following his birth.
Gandhi portrays a more vulnerable side of Rajiv Gandhi in her account, revealing that he wept alongside her at the loss of their child. According to her narrative, this display of emotion was uncharacteristic of Rajiv Gandhi, whose upbringing had instilled in him a reserved, stoic demeanor. His tears during this family tragedy represent a rare glimpse into the personal struggles of the former Prime Minister.
The memoir provides insight into the personal lives of India's prominent political family, offering readers a window into intimate moments that shaped the Gandhis' family history. The account underscores how even those in the highest echelons of Indian politics experience the universal grief that accompanies such devastating personal loss.