President says Rajaji was gifted with multifaceted creativity and several dimensions

Mr Modi says replacement of colonial-era paintings & artefacts with works rooted in India’s own artistic traditions is noteworthy step

Rajaji Utsav, a celebration of the life and legacy of the first Indian Governor-General of India, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, is being celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. On the occasion, President Droupadi Murmu has unveiled the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The bust of Rajaji, situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replaced the bust of Edwin Lutyens.

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Union Ministers Jagat Prakash Nadda, Dr S Jaishankar, Dharmendra Pradhan, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Dr L Murugan and the family members of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the President said that Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was a great son of India. President Murmu added that Rajaji was gifted with multifaceted creativity and several dimensions. His contribution to the legal profession, freedom struggle, social and economic reforms, ancient Indian scriptures, politics and governance greatly enriched them.

President Droupadi Murmu noted that Chakravarti Rajagopalachari had left an indelible mark on the history of the country. The President emphasised that working on the ideals of Rajaji would be the truest tribute one could pay to him. The President further expressed hope that the people of the country would draw inspiration from Rajaji’s life and legacy and move forward with the spirit of putting the Nation First.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said that India’s movement away from colonial influence is not a single event; it is an ongoing transformation across governance, law, education, culture, and national identity. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Gulaami ki Maansikta se azaadi has been translated into action through several initiatives. Vice President highlighted that Raj Bhavans are becoming Lok Bhavans, the PMO is evolving in Seva Teerth, and the Central Secretariat is being transformed into Kartavya Bhavan, which are reflections of the government’s spirit of Seva Bhawna.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat read Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message on the occasion, in which the Prime Minister described the unveiling of Rajaji’s bust at the historic central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan as a moment of immense pride for the people of the country. The Prime Minister further noted that the Rajaji Utsav celebrations, encompassing a book and panel exhibition, film screening, and a series of cultural performances, stand as a tribute to the towering legacy of the great leader. Mr Modi also said that the replacement of colonial-era paintings and artefacts with works rooted in India’s own artistic traditions is a noteworthy step. The Prime Minister noted that sovereignty is not only important in political and economic spheres but is also crucial in cultural spaces. The Prime Minister said that today, Rashtrapati Bhavan stands not as a seat of power but as a visible embodiment of democratic self-confidence rooted in Indian civilisation. He added that initiatives such as the Rajaji Utsav and the unveiling of a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari reinforce this direction.

Addressing the occasion, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan said that Rajaji’s intellectual depth, moral courage, and unwavering commitment to national service continue to inspire generations. The Minister added that he was not only a political visionary but also a cultural builder through his translation of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata into English and Tamil languages.