12. De-coloniality in National Symbols: President Unveils Rajaji\'s Bust

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing the bust of Edwin Lutyens, the British architect of New Delhi. Positioned at the Grand Open Staircase, this symbolic relocation marks a significant step in the national effort toward \'mental decolonisation\' and the reclaiming of Indian institutional spaces from colonial vestiges. Key Highlights of the Event and Rajaji\'s Legacy • Shedding Colonial Vestiges: The replacement of Lutyens\' bust with that of Rajaji symbolizes a shift from celebrating colonial architecture to honoring the leaders who shaped independent India’s consciousness. • The Last Governor-General: Rajaji holds the unique distinction of being the first and only Indian Governor-General of India (1948–1950), bridging the transition from a British Dominion to a Republic. • Symbol of Swaraj: President Murmu highlighted that Rajaji\'s act of placing portraits of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Mahatma Gandhi in the Government House was a clear declaration of spiritual and political Swaraj. • Rajaji Utsav: A public celebration from February 24 to March 1, 2026, has been organized to educate the masses about Rajaji\'s contributions to the freedom struggle and post-independence governance. • Ideals for Viksit Bharat: The President emphasized that Rajaji’s thoughts on Indian consciousness and his connection with the weaker sections are essential pillars for achieving the vision of a \'Viksit Bharat\' (Developed India) by 2047. • Spirit of Enterprise: The event called for promoting enterprise and self-reliance, echoing Rajaji\'s later political philosophy which advocated for economic freedom and minimal state interference. Definitions of Key Terms • Governor-General of India: The representative of the British monarch in India; the post was held by Indians only once (by Rajaji) before the office was abolished in 1950. • Dominion Status: A semi-independent polity under the British Empire; India remained a Dominion from August 15, 1947, until it became a Republic on January 26, 1950. • Swaraj: Literally \'self-rule,\' a term popularized by Tilak and Gandhi, encompassing political independence as well as individual and spiritual self-restraint. • Decolonisation: The process of a state withdrawing from a former colony, but in this context, it refers to the psychological and cultural effort to move past colonial intellectual influences. Constitutional and Legal Provisions • Article 51A(f): A Fundamental Duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture. • Article 51A(b): A Fundamental Duty to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom. • Article 52-62: Pertains to the Office of the President of India, who functions as the formal head of state and the custodian of national heritage at Rashtrapati Bhavan. • Indian Independence Act, 1947: The British statute that created the office of the Governor-General for each of the two new Dominions (India and Pakistan). Additional Important Key Points • Bharat Ratna: C. Rajagopalachari was one of the first three recipients of India\'s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1954. • Literary Contribution: He was a prolific writer and won the Sahitya Akademi Award for his retelling of the Ramayana (Chakravarti Thirumagan) in Tamil. • The Swatantra Party: Rajaji founded the Swatantra Party in 1959, which stood for classical liberalism and opposed the \'License-Permit Raj\' of the era. • Vedaranyam Salt March: He led the Salt Satyagraha in the Madras Presidency (Vedaranyam March) in 1930, mirroring Gandhi’s Dandi March. Conclusion and UPSC Relevance The installation of Rajaji’s bust at the heart of India\'s executive residence is a profound gesture of \'Cultural Rejuvenation.\' For the UPSC Civil Services Exam, this topic is highly relevant for GS Paper I (Modern Indian History and Personalities) and GS Paper IV (Ethics - Values of National Leaders). It highlights the transition from colonial administration to Indian self-rule and the importance of symbolic decolonisation in statecraft. Candidates should focus on Rajaji\'s dual role as a pragmatic statesman and a cultural icon whose ideas on individual liberty and traditional values continue to influence modern Indian political thought.