President Murmu Commemorates C Rajagopalachari with Bust Unveiling at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Synopsis
In a landmark ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolizing India's move to honor its own leaders and heritage while distancing from colonial history.
Key Takeaways
Rajaji's Legacy: Celebrating the contributions of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari to India's independence.
Colonial Shift: The event marks a move to shed colonial influences in national representations.
Cultural Pride: Emphasizing the richness of Indian heritage and traditions.
Official Recognition: High-profile attendance highlights the importance of the ceremony.
National Identity: Strengthening India's cultural and historical identity within key institutions.
New Delhi, February 23 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu attended the ‘Rajaji Utsav’ held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Monday, where she unveiled a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor-General of India. This bust is now located at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replacing the bust of Edwin Lutyens.
In a message shared on X, the President remarked, “This initiative is part of a series of actions aimed at moving away from colonial legacies, proudly celebrating the richness of our culture, heritage, and timeless traditions, while honouring those exceptional individuals who dedicated their lives to Bharat Mata.”
President Murmu emphasized that this move represents a significant national effort to transcend colonial-era remnants and acknowledge the influential Indian leaders who played vital roles in the nation’s history. Rajagopalachari, affectionately known as Rajaji, was a distinguished freedom fighter, statesman, and scholar who held the position of the last Governor-General of India from 1948 to 1950.
Dignitaries in attendance included 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 members of Rajaji's family.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also posted on his official X handle: “Today, I had the honor of attending the ‘Rajaji Utsav’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, unveiled the bust of Shri C. Rajagopalachari, which replaces that of Edwin Lutyens. This event marks another significant milestone in our journey of moving away from the colonial legacy.”
The ceremony underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to honour national icons and strengthen India’s cultural and historical identity within essential institutions of the Republic.
Point of View
The unveiling of Rajagopalachari's bust at Rashtrapati Bhavan represents a notable shift in India's cultural narrative, aiming to honour Indian leaders and their contributions while promoting a national identity free from colonial influences.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chakravarti Rajagopalachari?
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, known as Rajaji, was a prominent freedom fighter, statesman, and the last Governor-General of India, serving from 1948 to 1950.
What is the significance of the bust unveiling?
The bust unveiling symbolizes India's commitment to recognizing its own historical figures and moving away from colonial legacies.
Where is the bust located?
The bust is situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
What did President Murmu say during the event?
President Murmu expressed that this initiative is aimed at celebrating India's rich culture and honoring those who contributed significantly to the nation.
Who attended the unveiling ceremony?
Dignitaries including Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and various ministers were present at the ceremony.
