Rajagopalachari

Source:  PIB

 Context: On Shri C. Rajagopalachari’s birth anniversary, PM Modi honored his multifaceted contributions to governance, literature, and social empowerment.

About C. Rajagopalachari:

• Born: December 10, 1878, in Thorapalli, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu, India).
• Family: Belonged to a Tamil-speaking Iyengar Brahmin family; father was a lawyer.

• Contribution to the Freedom Movement:
  • Indian National Congress (INC): Served as a legal advisor and General Secretary.
  • Non-Cooperation Movement: Promoted boycotts of British goods and institutions.
  • Civil Disobedience Movement: Led Salt Satyagraha in Madras Presidency.
  • Rajaji Formula (1944): Proposed a framework to resolve conflicts between INC and the Muslim League on partition.
  • Diplomatic Efforts: Represented Indian National Congress (INC) in Round Table Conferences and advocated peaceful negotiations for independence.
• Post-Independence Contributions:

• • Governor-General of India (1948–1950): Last Governor-General; oversaw the transition to the Republic of India.
  • Chief Minister of Madras State (1952–1954): Introduced reforms in education, agriculture, and rural development.
  • Founder of Swatantra Party (1959): Advocated free-market principles and economic liberalization.

• Literary Works:

• • Translations:
    • Mahabharata and Ramayana (English).
    • Tamil translation of Ramayana (Chakravarthi Thirumagan), which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958.
  • Hinduism: Doctrine and Way of Life: Explored Hindu scriptures and philosophy.
  • Autobiography: Rajaji: A Life.

• Awards and Recognitions:

• • Bharat Ratna (1954): For contributions to politics, literature, and public service.
  • Ramon Magsaysay Award (1958): For leadership during his tenure as Madras Chief Minister.
  • Sahitya Akademi Fellowship: Honored for contributions to literature.
  • Ramanujan Award (1962): For translating Thirukkural into English.

• Death: December 25, 1972, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, at age 94.

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