Rajaji Bust Unveiling Key Step in Shedding Colonial Remnants: VP Radhakrishnan
VP says India’s shift from colonial mindset is an ongoing transformation
- Vice-President calls Rajaji Utsav rightful recognition of a national icon
- Says decolonisation is an ongoing reform across governance and culture
- Links reforms to vision of freedom from colonial mindset
- Highlights transformation initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd Feb: The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Sunday said that the unveiling of the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan marks an important step in shedding remnants of colonial influence.
Speaking at the ‘Rajaji Utsav’ ceremony, attended by President Droupadi Murmu, the Vice-President said India’s movement away from colonial influence is not a one-time event but an ongoing transformation spanning governance, law, education, culture and national identity.
He underlined that the reforms are rooted in the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has repeatedly called for freedom from the colonial mindset that shaped institutions during British rule.
Highlighting the broader framework of “Gulami ki Mansikta se Mukti,” the Vice-President cited measures such as the transformation of Raj Bhavans into Lok Bhavans, renaming the Central Secretariat as Kartavya Bhavan, replacement of colonial-era criminal laws, installation of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue 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,” he said.
The Vice-President also pointed to initiatives undertaken under President Murmu’s leadership at Rashtrapati Bhavan, including opening the gardens as Amrit Udyan, renaming Durbar Hall as Ganatantra Mandap, replacing photographs of British ADCs with portraits of Param Vir Chakra awardees, and establishing ‘Granth Kutir’ as a repository of India’s classical knowledge traditions.
Describing Rajaji Utsav as a rightful recognition of a great son of India, he said Rajagopalachari’s legacy as a lawyer, freedom fighter, statesman and writer continues to inspire. He noted that Rajaji consistently advocated economic freedom and believed India’s economic policy should remain independent and liberal.
Concluding his address, the Vice-President expressed confidence that Rajaji’s life and ideals would continue to inspire citizens to strengthen their character, deepen their convictions and place the nation above self-interest.
