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President Murmu Unveils Rajagopalachari Bust, Replaces Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at the Rashtrapati Bhavan's Grand Open Staircase, replacing a bust of British architect Edwin Lutyens. She stated the move is a step towards shedding a colonial mindset and embracing India's rich heritage. The event was attended by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and several union ministers. It symbolizes a broader national effort to honor Indian leaders who shaped the country's history.

Key Points: Murmu Unveils Rajaji Bust, Replaces Colonial Statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

  • Bust replaces Edwin Lutyens' statue
  • Part of shedding colonial mindset
  • Honors first Indian Governor-General
  • Attended by top ministers & VP
  • Reinforces India's cultural identity
2 min read

Prez Murmu unveils bust of C Rajagopalachari statue in Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of C. Rajagopalachari, replacing one of Edwin Lutyens, in a step to shed colonial vestiges and honor Indian icons.

"This initiative is part of series of steps being taken towards shedding the vestiges colonial mindset - President Droupadi Murmu"

New Delhi, Feb 23

President Droupadi Murmu graced the 'Rajaji Utsav' at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Monday and unveiled the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, India's first and only Indian Governor-General, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

In a post on X, the President stated, "The bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replaces the bust of Edwin Lutyens. This initiative is part of series of steps being taken towards shedding the vestiges 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."

The President highlighted that the move symbolises a broader national effort to move beyond colonial-era legacies and recognise eminent Indian leaders who played pivotal roles in shaping the country's history. Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, was a prominent freedom fighter, statesman, and scholar who served as the last Governor-General of India from 1948 to 1950.

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

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan's official X handle also shared a post: "Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the 'Rajaji Utsav' at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, where the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, unveiled the bust of Shri C. Rajagopalachari, replacing that of Edwin Lutyens, marking another significant milestone in our journey of breaking away from the colonial legacy."

The event underscored the government's continued emphasis on honouring national icons and reinforcing India's cultural and historical identity within key institutions of the Republic.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the sentiment of honoring national icons, I hope this is part of a broader, substantive effort towards decolonization that goes beyond statues. True change requires reforming colonial-era laws and systems that still affect governance.
P
Priya S
Rajaji was a true intellectual giant of our freedom struggle. His contributions to literature and his administrative acumen are often overlooked. Glad to see him getting his due recognition at the highest office. A fitting tribute!
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Vikram M
Good move, but I wish we could learn more about such leaders in our school curriculum. Many of my friends only know the biggest names. Events like this should be used to educate the youth about our rich history.
R
Rohit P
Seeing President Murmu, the first tribal woman to hold the office, honouring Rajaji is itself a powerful statement of India's evolving identity. It's not just about replacing a bust, it's about who is doing it. More power to her!
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Michael C
As someone interested in history, I find this fascinating. Rajagopalachari's role in the transition to a republic is crucial. Honoring him at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, a building designed by Lutyens, adds a deep layer of historical irony and progress.

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