Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the upcoming ‘Rajaji Utsav’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where a statue of C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor General of Independent India, will be unveiled. During his monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ PM Modi emphasized the importance of shedding symbols of slavery and embracing Indian cultural icons, praising Rajagopalachari’s dedication to public service and independent thinking. He expressed regret over the presence of colonial-era statues in Rashtrapati Bhavan and highlighted the need to honor national leaders like Rajagopalachari.
An exhibition dedicated to C. Rajagopalachari will be held as part of the Rajaji Utsav celebrations, open to visitors from February 24 to March 1. PM Modi encouraged people to attend the exhibition to learn more about Rajagopalachari’s life and legacy. The Prime Minister also mentioned the replacement of a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens with that of Rajaji, symbolizing the shift towards recognizing Indian icons at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
