New Delhi: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, popularly known as C Rajagopalachari, was an Indian statesman, freedom fightter writer and lawyer who holds the unique distinction of being the last Governor-General of India. In 1950, India became a Republic with the implementation of the Constitution and the office of the Governor-General of India which was established by the British colonial rulers were abolished. Also, he was the only Governor-General born in India and an Indian as all previous holders of the post were British nationals. Today is the birth anniversary of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari and in this article, we will take a look at the life and legacy of this great man.
When his parents feared he might not live long
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was born on December 10, 1878, in Thorapalli village on the outskirts of Hosur in the Salem district of then Madras Presidency. As a child, he was weak and sickly and his parents constantly worried about him, fearing that he might not live long. He was educated at Central College, Bangalore, and Presidency College, Madras and married Alamelu Mangalamma in 1897 when she was just 10 years old.
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari and the freedom struggle
In the 1900s, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at the Salem court began his legal practice. It was during this time he entered politics. He first became Salem municipality’s member and later its chairperson. In 1919, Mahatma Gandhi joined the Indian independence movement and Rajagopalachari became his follower.
He joined the Congress and took part in the protests against the Rowlatt Act, joined the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Vaikom Satyagraha. In 1930, Rajagopalachari led the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha. In 1937, He became the Madras Presidency’s Prime minister and served in that role until 1940. However, later, he also opposed the Quit India Movement and later proposed the C. R. formula.
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari as the Governor-General of India
Rajagopalachari was India’s Acting Governor-General from November 10 to November 24, 1947, when Governor-General Lord Mountbaettn was on leave. He led a very simple life in that role and washed his own clothes and polished his own shoes. An impressed Mountbatten made him his second choice to succeed him after Vallabhbhai Patel.
Patel refused to take up the position and Nehru also disagreed. Hence, Rajagopalachari became India’s Governor-General and served in that role from June 1948 until January 26, 1950. Apart from being India’s last Governor-General, he was also the only Indian ever to hold the office. Later, after the position was abolished, he became Union Home Minister from 1951 to 1952 and served as the Chief Minister of Madras from 1952 to 1954. He left the Congress in 1959 and founded the Swatantra Party. He passed away on December 25, 1972, at the age of 94.
Rajagopalachari was India’s Acting Governor-General from November 10 to November 24, 1947, when Governor-General Lord Mountbaettn was on leave. He led a very simple life in that role and washed his own clothes and polished his own shoes. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
