Context: Prime Minister paid tribute to Rajaji on his birth anniversary, recalling his multifaceted role as a freedom fighter, thinker, statesman, and India’s last Governor-General.
About C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji)
- Lifespan: 1878–1972
- Popularly Known As: Rajaji
- Key Roles: Freedom fighter, jurist, writer, statesman, last Indian Governor-General of India.
- Notable Praise: Gandhi called him “the keeper of my conscience.”
Early Life
- Born 10 December 1878 in Thorapalli, Tamil Nadu.
- Education: Hosur, Bangalore, Presidency College, Madras.
- Career start: Successful criminal lawyer in Salem.
- Public life: Joined in 1917 as Chairman of Salem Municipality.
Key Contributions to Freedom Movement
Movement/Event
Role/Contribution
Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919)
Led protests in Madras Presidency; addressed mass meetings on Marina Beach.
Non-Cooperation Movement
Gave up thriving law practice; mobilized Tamil Nadagainst British.
Khilafat Movement
Supported Khilafat committees; earned esteem among Muslims.
Vedaranyam Salt March (1930)
Led Tamil equivalent of Dandi March; inspired thousands.
Civil Disobedience & Quit India
Imprisoned multiple times; close strategist of Gandhi.
Post-Independence Roles
Governor of West Bengal (1947–48): Managed post-partition turbulence.
Governor-General of India (1948–50): Last to hold the office; abolished it after India became a republic.
Home Minister of India (1950): Succeeded Sardar Patel.
Chief Minister of Madras State (1952–54): Implemented administrative reforms; dealt with police strikes; introduced education policies.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
