Statue of Edwin Lutyens to be replaced by that of C Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan today

Statue of Edwin Lutyens to be replaced by that of C Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan today

• Lutyens statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan replaced by Rajagopalachari
• Unveiling of Rajagopalachari statue set for February 23
• Rajagopalachari exhibition at Rashtrapati Bhavan from Feb 24-Mar 1

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced with that of C Rajagopalachari, with the unveiling scheduled to take place today.

The announcement was made during the Prime Minister’s monthly radio broadcast, Mann ki Baat. Referring to the presence of statues of British administrators at Rashtrapati Bhavan even after Independence, Modi said India’s own icons had not received similar recognition at the site.

"A statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens also stood in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Now, this statue will be replaced by a statue of Rajaji (C Rajagopalachari)," he said.

Emphasising what he described as a broader shift in national consciousness, the Prime Minister said the country is moving away from the “symbols of colonialism” and “beginning to embrace symbols of Indian culture”. He added that the step at Rashtrapati Bhavan reflects this transition.

Recalling his address from the Red Fort during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Modi said he had spoken about the ‘Panch-Pran’ and the need to shed the mentality of slavery. In that context, he said Rashtrapati Bhavan is taking a significant step forward.

Highlighting Rajagopalachari’s legacy, the Prime Minister said he was among those who “saw power not as a position but as a service,” and added that his self-restraint and independent thinking continue to inspire Indians.

The unveiling will be part of ‘Rajaji Utsav’ on February 23. An exhibition dedicated to Rajagopalachari will also be organised at Rashtrapati Bhavan from February 24 to March 1. "Do pay a visit there, to have a look, whenever possible," Modi said.

Edwin Lutyens, a British architect and town planner, collaborated with Herbert Baker in designing several landmark structures in New Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block, South Block and India Gate. A central part of the capital is popularly referred to as Lutyens’ Delhi, a term often used in political discourse to describe sections of the national elite.