Full Breakdown
Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir “Belonging: A Journey of Love” – Announcement, Promotion and Publishing Row
By Drooid · · How we work
Memoir Launch and Social-Media Debut
On October 24 2026, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi posted a two-minute video on X revisiting her early romance with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The same day she shared the first look of the memoir on Instagram and thanked followers.
Background: Cambridge Meeting
Gandhi recalls meeting Rajiv in 1965 at the Varsity Restaurant in Cambridge, England, where a mutual friend introduced them. Their friendship led to marriage on February 25 1968.
Publishing Dispute
The international edition will be published by Alfred A Knopf. HarperCollins India secured Indian rights after Penguin Random House India stepped aside following an “impasse over a particular issue.” PRHI said the stalemate involved editorial recommendations and fact-checking; Congress leaders alleged the publisher wanted to remove passages referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the RSS and China’s territorial disputes. PRHI denied external pressure and affirmed willingness to publish. HarperCollins announced on September 4 that it would release the book in India on the same date as the global edition.
Data & Statistics
- Release date (scheduled): November 10 2026 – worldwide (Alfred A Knopf) and India (HarperCollins).
- Memoir length: 544 pages.
- Marriage: February 25 1968.
- First public video post: October 24 2026 (X).
- Instagram debut: October 22 2026.
- Publisher announcement: August 18 (initial announcement of the memoir).
Official Statements & Responses
Sonia Gandhi’s video narration emphasizes the personal nature of the memoir, describing the Varsity Restaurant as where “my journey of love began.” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh announced the November 10 release, calling it “long-awaited.”
Penguin Random House India stated its editorial process involved standard fact-checking and that it remained willing to publish, but discussions had reached an impasse over a specific issue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Rajiv and I created a world filled with love, laughter and memories. On 10th November, I share that world with you,” — Sonia Gandhi
- “Hello everyone, I’m truly grateful to share this moment with you all; the first look of Belonging: A Journey of Love,” — Sonia Gandhi
- “I am happy, and so proud, that your story--'Belonging: A Journey of Love'--will finally be read by the millions of people who love you.” — Rahul Gandhi
- “The long-awaited memoir of Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, will be out on November 10th.” — Jairam Ramesh