Sonia Gandhi opens up on personal journey and new memoir

Sonia Gandhi has revealed that writing her new memoir, titled 'Belonging', took over a decade from start to finish, with serious writing beginning about five years ago. She noted that she never felt the need to read the roughly 75 existing biographies written about her by others over the years.

Life and Legacy

Reflecting on her arrival in India as a young bride knowing nothing about the country, Gandhi credited Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi for shaping her worldview. Their courage, compassion, and commitment to a secular and democratic India guided her through difficult times. The book explores her deep romance with Rajiv Gandhi and how the threat to their family's ideals eventually drew her into public life.

The Emergency

Addressing the Emergency period, Gandhi stated that she only realized the true gravity of what was happening after it ended. While democratic rights were suspended, she pointed out that Indira Gandhi eventually called for elections in March 1977 and later publicly expressed regret for the excesses committed during that time. Gandhi also maintained that the Congress party has always stood firmly for the constitutional right of all citizens to practice their religion without fear.

Context

Memoirs by prominent political figures often blend personal history with the broader political events of their eras, offering an insider perspective on major historical decisions. Such books give readers a look into the private motivations and reflections of leaders who shaped modern national history.