Why in the news?
- The Prime Minister paid tribute to C. Rajagopalachari on his birth anniversary
Rajagopalachari
- Birth: Born on December 10, 1878, in Hosur, Tamil Nadu
- Role in India’s Freedom Movement:
- Early Congressman and part of the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Key architect of the Salem Salt Satyagraha (1930).
- One of the closest advisers of Gandhi on constitutional and political matters.
- Opposed the Quit India Movement, believing it would lead to chaos during wartime.
- Major Roles in Independent India:
- Last Governor-General of India: Served as the only Indian Governor-General (June 1948 – January 1950) after Lord Mountbatten and oversaw transition to Republic.
- Chief Minister of Madras State: Introduced the ‘Kulkalvi Thittam’ (Modified Education Scheme) with emphasis on vocational education.
- Founder of the Swatantra Party: Formed India’s most successful non-Congress party until the 1970s.
- Literary Contributions:
- Ramayana & Mahabharata (retellings) – simplified versions widely used in education
- Krishnamurti’s Teachings
- Political and moral essays promoting ethics and public reason
- Recognition: Awarded the Bharat Ratna (1954) for his literary, political, and administrative contributions.
Source: News on Air