Rajaji's Statue To Replace Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan
In a significant symbolic shift, a statue of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari — the first Indian Governor-General of independent India — will replace the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens in the Central Courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The transition, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat, is seen as part of a broader national effort to shed colonial-era symbols. The Prime Minister said the move aligns with the ‘Panch-Pran’ pledge articulated during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, particularly the commitment to free the nation from a “mentality of slavery.”
“Even after Independence, statues of British administrators were allowed to remain in Rashtrapati Bhavan, while those of the nation’s greatest sons were denied space,” PM Modi said, adding that the estate is now prioritising figures rooted in Indian history and public service.
President Droupadi Murmu formally unveiled the statue as part of the ‘Rajaji Utsav’ celebrations held on February 23. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and several Union Ministers were present at the ceremony.
Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, succeeded Lord Mountbatten in 1948 and served as the last Governor-General of India until the office was abolished in 1950.
A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, he participated in the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements, edited Young India during Gandhi’s imprisonment, and later founded the Swatantra Party in 1959 as a centre-right alternative to the Congress.
Beyond politics, he was known for translating the Ramayana and Mahabharata into English and Tamil and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954.
An exhibition on Rajaji’s life and contributions is being held at Rashtrapati Bhavan from February 24 to March 1, featuring books, panel displays, film screenings, and cultural programmes.
The government has presented the installation as part of an ongoing effort to reinterpret national spaces through an indigenous historical lens.