Sonia Gandhi Recalls Heartbreaking Loss of Newborn Son in 1969 in Her Autobiography

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has shared deeply personal and emotional memories in her autobiography, Belonging: A Journey of Love, including the heartbreaking experience of losing her newborn son in 1969. She recalled that the entire family was delighted when they learned she was expecting a child. Even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was generally known for her serious demeanour, warmly embraced Sonia and expressed her happiness. However, the family's joy soon turned into grief when Sonia gave birth to a premature baby boy on January 18, 1969, nearly two months before her expected delivery date. Although she heard the newborn's first cry and briefly saw the baby with Rajiv Gandhi, doctors warned that his survival was uncertain. The following morning, Rajiv informed her that the baby could not be saved. Sonia recalled that both she and Rajiv broke down in tears. Indira Gandhi cancelled her scheduled visit and rushed to the hospital to comfort them.

Sonia also described the emotional difficulties surrounding the infant's funeral arrangements. After discussions about different religious customs, the family decided to bury the baby at the Feroz Gandhi farm in Mehrauli. She said a newspaper article published by an opposition publication about the tragedy caused her further emotional distress. Gradually, the family tried to overcome the painful experience. Sonia revealed that she informed Rajiv Gandhi about her subsequent pregnancy in October 1969, describing the moment as a mixture of happiness and anxiety. On June 19, 1970, she gave birth to their son Rahul Gandhi, marking a new chapter in the family's life.