PM Narendra Modi to Unveil C. Rajagopalachari Statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan During Rajaji Utsav, Replacing Colonial-Era Edwin Lutyens Symbol on February 23
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that ‘Rajaji Utsav’ will be celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 23, marking the unveiling of a statue of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari in the Central Courtyard of the presidential estate. The announcement, made during the 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat, signals a symbolic shift aimed at replacing colonial-era representations with figures rooted in India’s national history and cultural identity.
The statue of C. Rajagopalachari, widely known as Rajaji, will replace a colonial-era symbol, specifically the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens that previously stood within the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex. The Prime Minister described the development as part of a broader national effort to move beyond vestiges of colonial rule and reaffirm India’s own civilizational heritage.
Rajaji was the first Indian Governor-General of independent India, serving after the departure of the last British officeholder. His elevation to the highest constitutional office in the country during the transitional phase after independence marked a defining moment in India’s political history. The unveiling of his statue at the presidential estate is being framed as recognition of his public service, integrity, and intellectual independence.
Speaking during Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister referred to the larger context of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, during which he had articulated the concept of ‘Panch-Pran’ from the Red Fort. One of these pledges emphasized freedom from the mentality of slavery. According to the Prime Minister, the removal of colonial symbols and the installation of statues honoring Indian leaders form part of that commitment.
“Today, the country is leaving behind the symbols of slavery and has begun to value symbols related to Indian culture,” he said, adding that Rashtrapati Bhavan had taken an important step in that direction. The decision to host Rajaji Utsav at the presidential estate underscores the ceremonial and historical significance attached to the event.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, designed during the British colonial era, has long been a site of architectural and political symbolism. The presence of statues representing colonial administrators has, over time, drawn debate regarding the appropriateness of such representations in independent India. The replacement of Edwin Lutyens’ statue with that of Rajaji reflects a conscious attempt to reshape that symbolic landscape.
Edwin Lutyens was a British architect who played a central role in designing New Delhi, including the Viceroy’s House, which later became Rashtrapati Bhavan. While his architectural contributions are widely acknowledged, the Prime Minister indicated that continuing to display colonial-era figures at the seat of the Indian presidency was inconsistent with the nation’s evolving identity.
During his address, the Prime Minister expressed regret that even after independence, statues of British administrators remained at Rashtrapati Bhavan while statues of Indian leaders were not accorded similar space. The unveiling of Rajaji’s statue is being presented as corrective recognition for one of India’s foremost statesmen.
Rajaji’s legacy extends beyond his tenure as Governor-General. He was a freedom fighter, administrator, writer, and thinker who played a pivotal role in India’s independence movement. Known for his simplicity, self-restraint, and principled politics, he was regarded as a leader who saw power as a form of service rather than authority.
The Prime Minister described Rajaji as someone who embodied ethical conduct in public life. His independent thinking and commitment to constitutional values continue to be cited as examples for contemporary governance. By commemorating Rajaji at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the government appears to be emphasizing a model of leadership grounded in discipline and moral conviction.
The Rajaji Utsav celebrations will not be limited to the unveiling ceremony. An exhibition dedicated to Rajagopalachari’s life and contributions will be organized at Rashtrapati Bhavan from February 24 to March 1. The exhibition aims to provide visitors with insights into his role in the freedom struggle, his administrative achievements, and his intellectual contributions.
The Prime Minister urged citizens to visit the exhibition and learn more about Rajaji’s legacy. The week-long display is expected to include archival materials, photographs, and narratives highlighting key phases of his public life.
The decision to replace a colonial-era statue within Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Central Courtyard carries political as well as cultural implications. It aligns with previous initiatives aimed at renaming roads, revising institutional symbols, and promoting Indian historical figures within public spaces. Supporters view such measures as necessary steps toward decolonizing public memory, while critics often debate the balance between historical acknowledgment and reinterpretation.
In the broader narrative articulated during Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister linked the initiative to national self-confidence and cultural revival. He reiterated that independent India must shape its own symbols, reflective of its aspirations and historical journey.
The unveiling ceremony on February 23 is expected to draw dignitaries and representatives from various sectors. As the first Indian Governor-General, Rajaji occupies a unique place in constitutional history. His appointment symbolized the complete transfer of authority from British rule to Indian leadership.
The transformation of Rashtrapati Bhavan’s symbolic environment is thus being framed not merely as an aesthetic change but as a statement about historical continuity and identity. By foregrounding Rajaji’s contribution, the event highlights an era when the newly independent nation was establishing its constitutional institutions.
The exhibition scheduled from February 24 to March 1 further institutionalizes this recognition. Visitors will have an opportunity to revisit Rajaji’s role in shaping early governance structures, his advocacy of ethical politics, and his literary works that interpreted Indian epics and philosophy for modern audiences.
The announcement of Rajaji Utsav during the 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat also underscores the continuing role of the radio programme as a platform for communicating symbolic and cultural initiatives. Through it, the Prime Minister sought to connect historical remembrance with contemporary national objectives.
The replacement of Edwin Lutyens’ statue marks a visible alteration within one of India’s most prominent public institutions. Whether seen as cultural reclamation or symbolic restructuring, the move represents a deliberate effort to redefine the imagery associated with India’s highest constitutional office.
As preparations proceed for the unveiling and exhibition, Rajaji Utsav is poised to become a significant commemorative event within the broader framework of initiatives aimed at reasserting indigenous historical figures in public consciousness.
