Raisa Gorbachev Gets a Compliment Saved in Writing

Raisa Gorbachev, delighted by a remark Friday that she is the main reason for her husband’s rise to the top of the Soviet hierarchy, asked her admirer to put the comment in writing.

The Soviet First Lady displayed her charm and assertiveness during a meeting with prominent Indian women shortly after arriving in New Delhi with her husband, President Mikhail S. Gorbachev, on a three-day official visit.

Sonia Gandhi, wife of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, escorted Raisa Gorbachev to a gathering of the all-female editorial staff of the Hamari Goshthi, a magazine that deals with women’s issues.

Najma Heptullah, director of the publication and a member of Parliament, told the Soviet First Lady that behind every successful man there is a strong woman, and that Raisa Gorbachev is the main reason why her husband had reached the top of the Soviet hierarchy.

“Please, please write this for me,” said a smiling Raisa Gorbachev.

The statement was scrawled on a note and handed to the Soviet First Lady, who said she would ensure the idea became known to the Kremlin chief.