New Delhi, February 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised the unveiling of a statue of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.
This reflects the country's determination to honor those who shaped its destiny and to shed the remnants of a colonial mindset, Modi said.
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the statue of Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, on Monday.
"This is a commendable effort, which reflects India's determination to honor those who shaped our destiny and to shed the remnants of a colonial mindset. Rajaji was a towering scholar, freedom fighter, thinker, and administrator. His life embodied integrity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to the nation," Modi wrote on 'X'.
The statue of Rajagopalachari at the grand open staircase near Ashok Mandap in Rashtrapati Bhavan replaces that of Edwin Lutyens, the main architect of several monuments in New Delhi, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block, South Block, and India Gate.
Modi also said that the Rajaji Utsav, which is being celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan, is a wonderful initiative that brings out different aspects of Rajaji's rich contribution to the nation.
"I urge you all to visit it and get inspired!" he said in another post on 'X'.
Prime Minister Modi on Sunday said that statues of colonial rulers were allowed to remain in Rashtrapati Bhavan even after independence and a statue of British architect Lutyens will now be replaced with the statue of Rajagopalachari.
In his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat, he said that the country is leaving behind the symbols of slavery and has begun to value symbols related to Indian culture.
Unfortunately, PM Modi said, even after independence, statues of British administrators were allowed to remain in Rashtrapati Bhavan, but those of the nation's greatest sons were denied space.
An exhibition on Rajagopalachari will also be held during the Rajaji Utsav. This exhibition will be from February 24 to March 1.
