New Delhi, Feb 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday underscored the significance of the unveiling of a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the commencement of ‘Rajaji Utsav’.
The newly installed bust replaces that of British architect Edwin Lutyens, signalling a continued shift away from colonial-era symbolism.
In a social media message, the Prime Minister described Rajaji Utsav as an important initiative that highlights the statesman’s multifaceted contributions to nation-building and encouraged citizens to visit the exhibition to draw inspiration from his legacy.
Earlier, during his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi reiterated the government’s broader vision of discarding colonial symbols and strengthening national identity rooted in Indian cultural heritage.
The development follows a recent indication from the Prime Minister that the bronze bust of Edwin Lutyens — architect of several prominent New Delhi landmarks built during the 1920–30 period — would be removed from the central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
