C. Rajagopalachari

Rajagopalachari is popularly known as Rajaji. He was the last Governor – General of India. And the first Indian to act as the Governor General of India. He served as the Home Minister of Indian Union and also as the Chief Minister of Madras State.

About Rajaji

• Rajaji was the first recipient of Bharat Ratna award.
• He opposed the use of nuclear weapons.
• He also acquired the nick name “Mango of Salem”.

Early life of Rajaji

Rajaji was born on Thorapalli village in Hosur. He was educated at Presidency College of Madras and Central College of Bangalore. He then started practicing law in Salem court. Also, he served as the Chairperson of Salem municipality.

Contribution in Indian Freedom Struggle

Rajaji was one of the political lieutenants of Mahatma Gandhi. He joined the Indian National Congress. He participated in Non – Cooperation movement, agitations against Rowlatt act, Civil disobedience movement and Vaikom Satyagraha.

Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha

Rajaji led the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha. It  was modelled on the lines of Dandi March. The march began at Trichy on April 13, 1930. It then proceeded towards Vedaranyam, 240 km from Trichy. At Vedaranyam, the marchers collected salt directly from sea breaking the salt law.

C R Formula

The C R Formula was a proposal formulated by Rajaji to end the deadlock between Indian National Congress and All India Muslim League. The Congress included both Hindus and Muslims opposed the idea of partitioning India. The League on the other hand wanted two separate nations. Rajaji proposed for the congress to offer Muslim dominant region to the league based on a plebiscite. However, Jinnah rejected the proposal and the talks failed.

Madras Presidency

The Indian National Congress won elections in 1937 and came to power for the first time. Rajai won the election and entered the Assembly as the first Premier of Madras Presidency.