New Delhi:
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, today (February 23, 2026) unveiled the bust of Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) — the first and only Indian Governor General of independent India — at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in the presence of the Vice President of India.
The bust has been installed at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, opposite the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. It replaces the bust of Edwin Lutyens, marking a symbolic step towards shedding vestiges of colonial legacy and embracing India’s civilisational heritage with pride.
President’s Message: Inspiration for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu stated:
“As we move ahead towards making ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, icons like Rajaji inspire us with their ideas and ideals.”
She highlighted Rajaji’s example of “mental decolonisation.” When he assumed office at Government House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan), he placed portraits of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Mahatma Gandhi in his chamber, signalling that while India was formally a Dominion, Swaraj had already taken root in the hearts of its people.
The President said Rajaji’s life reflected deep national consciousness and empathy, especially towards the weaker sections of society.
Rajaji Utsav at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre
Following the unveiling ceremony, the President attended the Rajaji Utsav at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
Key highlights of the event included:
- A photo and book exhibition on Rajaji’s life and contributions
- Screening of a documentary film on his legacy
- Cultural performances
📅 The exhibition will remain open to the public from February 24 to March 1, 2026, at Amrit Udyan.
Breaking Away from Colonial Mindset
The President noted that the corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan once displayed portraits of British imperial officials. Today, the gallery known as Param Vir Dirgha features portraits of Param Vir Chakra awardees, honouring India’s brave soldiers.
She also mentioned the establishment of Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan to preserve India’s classical knowledge traditions reflected in ancient manuscripts and texts.
“Rashtrapati Bhavan is ‘Rashtra ka Bhavan’ — it belongs to the citizens of India,” the President said.
She added that Rashtrapati Bhavan and other Presidential Estates in Shimla, Hyderabad, and Dehradun have been opened to the public, allowing citizens to connect with India’s democratic traditions and cultural heritage.
Rajaji’s Multifaceted Legacy
President Murmu underscored Rajaji’s contributions across multiple domains:
- Freedom struggle
- Legal profession
- Social and economic reforms
- Governance and public administration
- Literature in Tamil and English
- Interpretation of ancient Indian scriptures
- Poetry and music
She recalled how, during food shortages, Rajaji initiated grain cultivation within the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex and even ploughed the fields himself, setting a personal example.
The President linked Rajaji’s vision of Swaraj with India’s contemporary focus on Swadeshi and Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat.
Vice President’s Address
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan described Rajaji Utsav as another milestone in India’s journey away from colonial influence.
He emphasised that changes such as renaming Raj Bhavans as Lok Bhavans, replacing colonial-era criminal laws, installing the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose near India Gate, and constructing the National War Memorial reflect a broader transformation in governance and national identity.
He said Rajaji’s life demonstrated that true greatness comes from moral strength, intellectual brilliance, and unwavering commitment to values.
Prime Minister’s Message
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a message for the occasion, which was read out during the event.
In his message, the Prime Minister stated that unveiling Rajaji’s bust at the historic central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan is a moment of pride for the nation. He noted that installing Rajaji’s bust opposite Mahatma Gandhi and replacing that of Edwin Lutyens represents a significant act of mental decolonisation.
He described Rashtrapati Bhavan as a symbol not merely of power, but of democratic self-confidence rooted in Indian civilisation.
A Symbolic and Strategic Cultural Shift
The Rajaji Utsav and installation of the bust reflect India’s ongoing effort to:
- Honour national icons
- Reclaim civilisational identity
- Strengthen democratic confidence
- Remove colonial-era symbolism
- Inspire future generations towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047
As India progresses towards its centenary of independence, leaders like Rajaji continue to serve as intellectual and moral anchors for the nation’s development journey.
