On Sunday, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a statue of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This move replaces the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens, as part of a broader initiative by the government to move away from colonial symbols. The new statue is positioned near the Ashoka Mandap, opposite Mahatma Gandhi's statue, symbolizing a focus on Indian personalities and traditions within the presidential complex.

The ceremony was part of the 'Rajaji Utsav' celebration held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and several central ministers. During the unveiling, President Murmu emphasized Rajagopalachari's role in the process of liberating India from 'mental colonialism,' recalling his tenure as a key figure in Indian independence. The statue serves not just as a tribute to Rajagopalachari, but as a statement of India's historical journey and identity.

The decision to replace Lutyens' statue with Rajagopalachari's is indicative of India’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its narrative and celebrate its own historical figures. Such actions reflect a shift in the cultural and political landscape, as the country seeks to reinforce its sovereignty and pride by honoring leaders who played vital roles in shaping its modern history.