PM Modi Announces Removal of Edwin Lutyens Statue from Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rajaji to Be Honoured
In ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Narendra Modi says statue of Edwin Lutyens will be replaced with that of C. Rajagopalachari to shed colonial symbols.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday that the symbol of slavery would be removed from Rashtrapati Bhavan. This symbol of slavery is none other than the statue of architect Edwin Lutyens. Now, this statue will be replaced by a statue of India's first Indian Governor General, C. Rajagopalachari. In his monthly radio address, "Mann Ki Baat," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that unfortunately, even after the country's independence, statues of British administrators remained in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Instead, the great sons of the nation should have been honored there, which did not happen.
PM Modi stated that today, the country has left behind the trappings of slavery and is beginning to value Indian culture. The PM further stated that there was a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Now, that statue will be removed and replaced by a statue of India's first Indian Governor General, C. Rajagopalachari.
PM Modi further stated that during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, he spoke of the five vows from the Red Fort, one of which is freedom from the mentality of slavery. The Prime Minister further stated that Rashtrapati Bhavan has taken an important step in this direction. The Rashtrapati Bhavan will celebrate C. Rajagopalachari's birthday on February 23rd, and to mark this special occasion, a statue of C. Rajagopalachari will be unveiled in the central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Prime Minister further stated that C. Rajagopalachari was one of the great men of the country who viewed power not as a position but as a spirit of service. His conduct in public life, self-restraint, and independent thinking continue to inspire us even today. The Prime Minister further stated that an exhibition on the life of C. Rajagopalachari will also be held during the Rajaji Utsav, which will run from February 24th to March 1st. The Prime Minister said, "Please take the opportunity to visit it."