NewKerala.com

President Murmu Unveils Rajagopalachari Bust, Replaces Colonial Symbol at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing a bust of British architect Edwin Lutyens. The government described this as a step toward shedding colonial vestiges and embracing India's heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pre-announced the event, linking it to his 'Panch-Pran' pledge of freedom from a slave mentality. Rajagopalachari was a key freedom fighter, comrade of Gandhi, and independent India's first Indian Governor-General.

Key Points: President Murmu Unveils Rajagopalachari Bust, Replaces Lutyens

  • Bust replaces Edwin Lutyens' statue
  • Part of shedding colonial mindset
  • PM Modi linked it to 'Panch-Pran' pledge
  • Rajagopalachari was first Indian Governor-General
  • Event attended by top ministers
2 min read

President Droupadi Murmu unveils bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of C. Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing one of Edwin Lutyens, in a move to shed colonial vestiges.

"Today, the country is leaving behind the symbols of slavery and has begun to value symbols related to Indian culture. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, February 23

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday unveiled a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor General of independent India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replaces the bust of Edwin Lutyens.

The President's official handle on X posted, "This initiative is part of a series of steps being taken towards shedding the vestiges of the colonial mindset and embracing, with pride, the richness of India's culture, heritage, timeless traditions and honouring those who served Bharat Mata with their extraordinary contributions."

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan, Minister of Health and Family Welfare; and Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan and family members of Rajaji.

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that the "Rajaji Festival" will be celebrated in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday with the unveiling of the statue of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor-General of independent India.

During the 131st 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, PM Modi said that the nation is leaving the symbols of slavery behind and beginning to relate to the Indian culture.

"During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, I spoke of the 'Panch-Pran' from the Red Fort. One of them is freedom from the mentality of slavery. Today, the country is leaving behind the symbols of slavery and has begun to value symbols related to Indian culture," he said.

C Rajaopalachari was born on December 10, 1878, in Madras Presidency. He was a lawyer and intellectual among many other things. He is regarded as an early political comrade of Mahatma Gandhi, who left his legal practice to join the Indian National Congress and later participated in various protests against the British Crown.

Most popularly, Rajagopalachari agitated against the Rowlatt Act, non-cooperation, and the Civil Disobedience movement.

He was elected to the Constituent Assembly from Madras on a Congress ticket. He was part of the sub-committee on minorities and was conferred with the Bharat Ratna in 1954.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rajaji was a true intellectual giant. A lawyer, writer, freedom fighter, and the first Indian Governor-General. His contributions to the nation, including his work in the Constituent Assembly, deserve this recognition. Proud moment.
S
Sarah B
While honoring historical figures is important, I hope this is part of a broader effort to educate people about their contributions. Many young Indians today might not know who Rajagopalachari was. The symbolism needs substance.
A
Arjun K
Good move. But we must also remember Rajaji's later political differences and his stance on issues like the Hindi language. Our history is complex, and we should honor our leaders while acknowledging their full legacy, not just a sanitized version.
K
Karthik V
Seeing President Murmu, our first tribal President, unveil the bust is itself symbolic. It represents a new India honoring its diverse past. From Rajaji's contributions to now, it's a journey worth remembering. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
As someone interested in history, this is fascinating. Rajagopalachari was a key figure in the transition from British rule to independence. Replacing Lutyens, who designed much of colonial Delhi, with him is a profound historical statement.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50