Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (1878-1972)

Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, affectionately known as Rajaji, was born in 1878 in the Salem district of Madras. His education took place at the Central College, Bangalore, and the Presidency College and Law College, Madras. Beginning his legal practice in 1900 in Salem, he soon became involved in the freedom movement in 1906.

Driven by a fervent desire to serve his country, Rajaji abandoned his legal career to join Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha campaign in 1919 and the broader freedom movement in 1920. From 1921 to 1942, he served as the General Secretary of the Indian National Congress and was a member of its Working Committee during various periods. He faced imprisonment five times between 1921 and 1942 for his participation in the freedom struggle.

In April 1942, Rajaji resigned from the Congress due to ideological differences. He held various positions of significance, including Secretary of the Prohibition League of India in 1930, Premier of Madras from 1937 to 1939, and Governor of West Bengal from August 1947 to June 1948.

Rajaji’s political career saw him serve as Governor-General of India from November 1947 to January 1950, making him the first Indian to hold this prestigious position. He continued his public service as a Minister without portfolio in the Union Cabinet from July to December 1950, Minister of Home Affairs from 1950 to 1951, and Chief Minister of Madras from 1952 to 1954.

In 1954, he was bestowed with the highest civilian honor, the ‘Bharat Ratna,’ for his remarkable contributions to the nation. Rajaji was a staunch advocate of pacifism and a vocal critic of nuclear weapons, actively campaigning against their use. He believed in the primacy of moral values over materialism, advocating for a civilization grounded in spirituality and morality.

Rajaji authored numerous books, including works on Marcus Aurelius, Socrates, Vedanta, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads, which provided profound insights into moral and philosophical issues. He emphasized the importance of religion in shaping moral values and believed that civilization could only thrive through adherence to these values.

His passing on December 25, 1972, marked the loss of a statesman, profound thinker, and dedicated patriot. The Post & Telegraph Department considers it a great honor to issue a commemorative stamp in memory of this illustrious son of India on the occasion of his first death anniversary.