Rajaji Utsav at Rashtrapati Bhavan: PM Modi to Unveil C. Rajagopalachari Statue, Exhibition Announced
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India will observe ‘Rajaji Utsav’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan with the unveiling of a statue of C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor General of independent India. The statue will be installed in the Central Courtyard of the presidential estate, symbolising what the government describes as a continued effort to recognise national icons and move away from colonial-era symbolism.
The announcement was made during the 131st episode of the Prime Minister’s monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, where Modi highlighted Rajagopalachari’s public service and intellectual legacy.
During his address, Modi recalled his call for the ‘Panch-Pran’ during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, particularly the idea of freeing India from what he termed a colonial mindset. He said institutions across the country are increasingly honouring Indian cultural and historical figures.
The Prime Minister described Rajagopalachari as a leader who viewed power as service rather than authority, emphasising his discipline, independent thinking and contribution to public life. He noted that Rajagopalachari’s conduct continues to inspire public leadership.
Modi also referred to the presence of colonial-era statues within Rashtrapati Bhavan for decades, stating that many national leaders did not receive similar recognition in prominent government spaces. As part of the Rajaji Utsav initiative, a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens will be replaced by the statue of Rajagopalachari.
Alongside the unveiling ceremony, an exhibition dedicated to Rajagopalachari’s life and achievements will be organised at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The exhibition will remain open to the public from February 24 to March 1, offering visitors an opportunity to explore his role in India’s freedom movement, governance and intellectual history.
Government officials and cultural observers have described the initiative as part of a broader effort to reframe public spaces around Indian historical narratives. Supporters argue that recognising figures such as Rajagopalachari helps strengthen historical awareness and civic values.
While political reactions remain measured, debates around the removal or replacement of colonial symbols have periodically surfaced in India’s public discourse. The latest move is likely to renew discussions on how national institutions present historical memory.
The Prime Minister encouraged citizens to visit the exhibition and learn more about Rajagopalachari’s legacy, suggesting that public engagement with history is essential for shaping national identity.
The Rajaji Utsav carries symbolic and institutional significance. Installing Rajagopalachari’s statue in Rashtrapati Bhavan places one of India’s most influential early statesmen at the centre of the country’s highest constitutional space.
Historians note that Rajagopalachari’s contributions extended beyond governance, including his role in policy debates, literature and ethical political thought. By foregrounding his legacy, the initiative may contribute to renewed academic and public interest in early post-Independence leadership.
The exhibition component also reflects a growing trend of using curated public events to connect citizens with historical narratives, particularly during commemorative periods linked to the freedom movement.
The Rajaji Utsav represents a continuation of efforts to highlight national figures within key public institutions while revisiting the symbolism of colonial-era spaces. With the unveiling ceremony and public exhibition scheduled over the coming week, the initiative is expected to draw attention to Rajagopalachari’s enduring influence on India’s political and intellectual history.
Our Final Thoughts
The decision to install C. Rajagopalachari’s statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan highlights a broader national conversation about historical representation in public spaces. Rajagopalachari’s legacy as India’s first Indian Governor General and a prominent thinker makes his inclusion within the presidential estate symbolically significant. Beyond ceremonial value, such initiatives can influence how younger generations engage with the country’s early leadership and democratic evolution. The accompanying exhibition offers a practical way to bridge historical memory and public awareness, encouraging citizens to revisit figures whose contributions shaped post-Independence India. As institutions increasingly reassess historical symbolism, the Rajaji Utsav signals an ongoing shift toward recognising indigenous narratives while prompting continued discussion about how nations preserve and reinterpret their past.