Sonia Gandhi, the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party and former President of the Congress Party, has opened up about her life's journey in her upcoming autobiography titled 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. Although the 544-page book is scheduled for publication on November 10, a significant statement from the author has been released by the publisher, providing a glimpse into the deeply personal narrative. In her statement, Sonia Gandhi reflects on the emotional challenges she faced while documenting her life, noting that the process was far from easy as it required her to revisit and expose experiences and emotions she had kept close to her heart for decades.
The Catalyst for Entering Politics
In a poignant revelation, Sonia Gandhi shared that it was the overwhelming weight of grief and the pain of losing her loved ones that ultimately compelled her to enter the world of politics. Before these life-altering tragedies, she described herself as someone who fiercely protected her privacy. She stated that the transition from a private individual to a public political figure was driven by the immense sorrow she experienced. Writing about these phases of her life was a difficult task, as it meant sharing moments and experiences that she had always cherished and guarded within herself.
Publication Details and Global Reach
The autobiography is being published by Alfred A, while knopf, a renowned publishing house headquartered in New York. The publisher issued a statement on Tuesday in New York, announcing that the book will be released on November 10 in multiple formats, including hardcover and e-book editions. Also, an audio version of the autobiography will also be made available to the public. Highlighting the anticipated demand for the book, the publisher has announced an initial print run of 100000 copies. Sonia Gandhi expressed her hope that this book would serve as a testament to her emotional journey, which has been marked by both great joys and deep disappointments.
A Human Perspective on the Gandhi Family
Sonia Gandhi noted that while much has been written about her family over the years, very few accounts have managed to capture the true emotions and reasons behind their decisions. She emphasized that her book aims to reach the truth of their actions and their very human vulnerabilities. In many ways, she dedicated this book to the 'humanity' of her family, seeking to provide a more intimate and accurate portrayal of their lives beyond the public eye.
From Italy to India: A Life of Love and Loyalty
The autobiography spans Sonia Gandhi's entire life, beginning with her childhood in a small town in Italy and moving through her years in India. It details her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi and her experience of becoming the daughter-in-law of Indira Gandhi, who was then the Prime Minister of India, while reflecting on her journey after gradually distancing herself from active politics, she realized that the common thread connecting every stage of her life has been love and loyalty. She describes her life as a journey from the simplicity of her childhood in Italy to the complexities of her years spent in India.
The Love Story and National Tragedies
The narrative of the book begins in 1965 in Cambridge, England, where a 19-year-old student named Sonia Maino met Rajiv Gandhi. It was love at first sight, leading to their eventual marriage. The book also chronicles her first meeting with Indira Gandhi, her efforts to learn Hindi, her transition to wearing sarees, and her enjoyment of Indian cuisine. However, the story also covers the immense tragedies that struck the Gandhi family. This includes the death of Rajiv Gandhi's younger brother, Sanjay Gandhi, in a plane crash, followed by the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984. Following his mother's death, Rajiv Gandhi became the Prime Minister, only to be assassinated himself seven years later during an election campaign.
Resisting and Eventually Embracing Politics
The autobiography also sheds light on how Sonia Gandhi resisted the pressure to enter politics for many years before finally taking the step into active political life. It further mentions her decision to decline the post of Prime Minister in 2004 after the Congress-led alliance won the elections. Sonia Gandhi believes that her story offers readers a unique perspective on the social and political changes that have occurred in India over the last six decades, while she described India as a 'beautiful country' that she now considers her own.