New Delhi, Feb 23 (.) Calling it a significant milestone in India’s journey of reclaiming its civilisational identity, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday said the unveiling of the bust of C. Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan marks an important step in shedding the remnants of colonial influence.
Addressing the gathering at the ‘Rajaji Utsav’, he described the occasion as a rightful recognition of a great son of India and emphasised that the country’s movement away from colonial legacy is not a one-time event but an ongoing transformation, guided by the vision of “Gulami ki Mansikta se Mukti” and driven by a spirit of ‘Sewa Bhavna’.
Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu, unveiled the bust of C. Rajagopalachari, replacing that of Edwin Lutyens.
“India’s movement away from colonial influence is not a single event, but an ongoing transformation across governance, law, education, culture, and national identity. The vision of “Gulami ki Mansikta se Mukti” has been translated into action through several initiatives, including the transformation of Raj Bhavans into Lok Bhavans; the evolution of the PMO into a Sewa Teerth; the renaming of the Central Secretariat as Kartavya Bhavan; the replacement of colonial-era criminal laws; the installation of a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose near India Gate; and the construction of the National War Memorial. These changes are not merely symbolic; they reflect the Government’s spirit of Sewa Bhavna,” the vice president said.
He highlighted several initiatives undertaken under the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, including opening the gardens as Amrit Udyan; renaming Durbar Hall as Ganatantra Mandap; replacing photographs of British ADCs with those of Param Vir Chakra awardees; and inaugurating ‘Granth Kutir’, a dedicated library and repository of Indian classical languages. He observed that such measures would help erase the colonial imprint from public consciousness and strengthen India’s civilisational confidence.
Describing Rajaji Utsav as a rightful recognition of a great son of India, the Vice-President said that C. Rajagopalachari earned a distinguished place in the nation’s history.
Highlighting Rajaji’s multifaceted brilliance as a lawyer, freedom fighter, statesman, politician, and writer, the Vice-President said he possessed extraordinary breadth of talent. He noted that Rajaji consistently advocated economic freedom and believed that India’s economic policy should remain independent and liberal.
Concluding his address, the Vice-President expressed the hope that Rajaji’s life would continue to inspire citizens to elevate their character as they assume greater responsibilities, strengthen their convictions as their roles expand, and always place the nation above self.
. PWS KK