Nation pays tribute to C. Rajagopalachari on Birth Anniversary

The nation paid homage to Shri C. Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, on his birth anniversary today. Born on December 10, 1878, in Thorapalli, Tamil Nadu, Rajaji emerged as a prominent freedom fighter, thinker, writer, and statesman. He was praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being one of the sharpest minds of the 20th century, who believed in creating value and upholding human dignity. The Prime Minister said the country gratefully remembers his enduring contributions to India’s freedom struggle and public life.

Tributes were also paid by other national leaders. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge recalled Rajaji’s words, “Unity cannot be brought by imposing uniformity,” and remembered him as a Bharat Ratna, a statesman of rare integrity, and a champion of Dalit rights and world peace. Shashi Tharoor highlighted Rajaji’s blend of economic liberalism, democratic values, and cultural wisdom, noting his retellings of the epics. The Vice-President of India also honoured Rajaji’s clarity of thought, commitment to democracy, and lifelong service to the nation.

Rajaji played a key role in India’s independence movement, participating in major campaigns such as the Vedaranyam Salt March and working closely with Mahatma Gandhi. He went on to become the last Governor-General of independent India (1948–1950) and served as Premier and later Chief Minister of Madras State(1952-1954). He also founded the Swatantra Party in 1959, advocating economic liberalism and individual freedom. In addition, Rajaji was a respected writer and scholar, known for his accessible retellings of the Ramayana and Mahabharata .

Through these tributes, leaders across the country remembered Rajaji’s enduring legacy as a guiding light in India’s public, political, and cultural life.