In her newly released autobiography, Belonging: A Journey of Love, Sonia Gandhi recounts the shock and grief that engulfed the family following the sudden death of her brother-in-law, Sanjay Gandhi. On June 23, 1980, while vacationing in Italy, the Gandhi family received news of a plane crash that claimed Sanjay's life. Upon learning about the accident, an agitated member of staff asked Sonia and her husband Rajiv to call their parents immediately. Upon hearing the devastating news from RK Dhawan, Sanjay's death was conveyed to Rahul Gandhi by the personal secretary of Indira Gandhi. Unable to comprehend the tragedy, young Rahul repeated the Italian phrase "Chacha e morto" (Uncle has died) as he broke down while relaying the message to his maternal grandmother. The family's grief was particularly profound for Rajiv, who had lost his only brother, and Indira Gandhi, who was left numb and devastated upon their return to Delhi.
SUMMARY (contd.):
The episode also sheds light on the Gandhi family's continued use of Italian, reflecting Sonia's Italian maternal roots. Despite moving to India after marrying Rajiv Gandhi, her mother tongue remained a part of their private life. In fact, an instance of Sonia and Rahul switching to Italian during a private exchange in front of journalists was reported by senior journalist Coomi Kapoor.
SUMMARY (contd.):
Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, died when the aircraft he was piloting crashed near Safdarjung Airport in New Delhi. The family's grief was also evident in Sonia's account of their return to India, where they found Indira Gandhi devastated and numb. This tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the close-knit bond that existed within the Gandhi family, and the profound impact of loss on those left behind.