Chakravarti Rajagopalachari 1878-1972

Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, known as Rajaji, was a prominent figure in India’s struggle for independence. Born in 1878 in Salem district of Madras, he embarked on his journey of activism by joining Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha campaign in 1919. Serving as General Secretary of the Indian National Congress and later as Premier of Madras, Rajaji faced imprisonment multiple times for his unwavering commitment to the freedom movement.

Notably, he became India’s first Indian Governor-General and held several key political positions, including Minister without portfolio, Minister of Home Affairs, and Chief Minister of Madras. In 1954, he was honored with the Bharat Ratna for his remarkable contributions to the nation. Rajaji was not only a political leader but also a fervent advocate for pacifism, criticizing nuclear weapons and emphasizing moral values and spirituality in his writings. His profound intellect, selfless character, and commitment to India’s cause earned him admiration from figures like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Even after his passing on December 25, 1972, Rajaji’s legacy continues to inspire, commemorated by a stamp issued by the P&T Department on the first anniversary of his death.