New Delhi, Feb 22 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Sunday that India will commemorate ‘Rajaji Utsav’ on Monday, featuring the unveiling of a statue dedicated to the first Indian Governor General of Independent India, C. Rajagopalachari. This initiative is viewed as a significant step towards moving away from symbols tied to British colonial rule and the colonial mindset.

During the 131st episode of his monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister reflected on his call for the ‘Panch-Pran’ during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.

“During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, I articulated the ‘Panch-Pran’ from the Red Fort. One of these principles is liberation from a mindset of servitude. Today, our nation is discarding symbols of oppression and is beginning to honor symbols that reflect Indian culture. Our Rashtrapati Bhavan has taken a pivotal step in this direction,” he stated.

PM Modi announced that on February 23, ‘Rajaji Utsav’ will take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where a statue of C. Rajagopalachari will be unveiled in the Central Courtyard of the presidential estate.

“He was the first Indian Governor General of Independent India. He viewed power as a responsibility rather than a privilege. His integrity, self-discipline, and independent thought in public service continue to inspire us today,” the Prime Minister emphasized, recognizing Rajagopalachari’s impact on society.

Expressing dismay over the persistence of colonial-era symbols after Independence, PM Modi noted that statues of British administrators remained within the premises of Rashtrapati Bhavan for many years, while figures from the freedom movement and national leadership were not accorded similar honor.

“Regrettably, even after independence, statues of British officials were permitted to remain in Rashtrapati Bhavan, while the statues of the nation’s most esteemed individuals were overlooked,” he remarked.

Specifically addressing the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens, the Prime Minister mentioned, “A statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens also stood in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Now, this statue will be substituted with a statue of Rajaji.”

PM Modi also informed listeners that an exhibition celebrating C. Rajagopalachari will be organized in conjunction with the Rajaji Utsav festivities.

The exhibition will welcome visitors from February 24 to March 1.

He encouraged citizens to visit the exhibition to discover more about Rajagopalachari’s life and heritage.