The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi, December 10: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday paid rich tributes to freedom fighter and statesman C. Rajagopalachari on his birth anniversary, calling him a leader of “rare wisdom” whose legacy continues to shape India’s democratic values.
Sharing a post on X, the Vice President wrote: “On his birth anniversary, I pay my respectful homage to Shri C. Rajagopalachari ji, a statesman of exceptional wisdom, a freedom fighter, and a visionary who shaped India’s public life with his clarity of thought and unwavering commitment to democratic values. His life and legacy remain a guiding light for all who strive for integrity, intellect, and service to the nation.”
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also honoured Rajaji, describing him as one of India’s most influential public minds. “Pay homage to Shri C. Rajagopalachari ji on his birth anniversary. A freedom fighter and one of India’s most influential public minds, his life, thoughts and ideals continue to guide us,” he posted on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the leaders in remembering Rajaji on his 147th birth anniversary. Calling him one of the “sharpest minds of the 20th century,” the Prime Minister praised Rajagopalachari’s enduring contributions to the nation.
“Freedom fighter, thinker, intellectual, statesman… these are some descriptions that come to mind when one recalls C. Rajagopalachari. Tributes to him on his birth anniversary. He remains one of the sharpest minds of the 20th century, who believed in creating value and upholding human dignity,” PM Modi wrote.
The Prime Minister also shared archival materials, including a picture of a young Rajaji, a notification of his appointment as Cabinet Minister, photographs with volunteers from the 1920s, and a 1922 Young India edition edited by Rajaji while Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned.
Born on December 10, 1878, in the Madras Presidency, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was a lawyer, writer and intellectual who became an early associate of Mahatma Gandhi. After giving up his legal practice, he joined the Indian National Congress and was deeply involved in anti-colonial movements, including the agitation against the Rowlatt Act, the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Rajagopalachari later served as the last Governor-General of India before the office was abolished in 1950 following India’s transition to a republic. He was elected to the Constituent Assembly from Madras and served on the sub-committee on minorities. In recognition of his service to the nation, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954.
