Key Highlights
- The British architect Edwin Lutyens’ statue at the presidential residence will be taken down.
- C. Rajagopalachari’s bronze will occupy the vacant plinth, unveiled during the Rajaji Utsav.
- The replacement underscores a nationwide drive to purge colonial memorabilia from public institutions.
- It aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ narrative of honoring indigenous freedom fighters.
Detailed Insights
During his recent ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the effigy of Edwin Lutyens – the architect responsible for conceiving New Delhi’s administrative core in 1912 – will be removed from the central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The vacant spot will host a newly commissioned statue of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, a distinguished lawyer, independence activist, and the nation’s sole Governor‑General after the transfer of power in 1947.
The decision is presented as part of a broader cultural re‑orientation aimed at dislodging lingering symbols of British rule and foregrounding Indian leaders who shaped the democratic fabric of the country. By situating Rajaji’s likeness in the heart of the highest constitutional abode, the government seeks to project a narrative of ‘post‑colonial reclamation’ and reinforce a collective identity rooted in indigenous valor.
Key Concepts
- Colonial Symbol Removal: The systematic replacement of monuments that commemorate British officials with Indian figures.
- Rajaji Utsav: A week‑long celebration commencing on 23 February, featuring the statue unveiling and an exhibition on Rajagopalachari’s life.
- Lutyens’ Delhi: The term used for the central sector of New Delhi, named after Edwin Lutyens, whose architectural imprint includes the President’s House, India Gate, and Connaught Place.