Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (1878-1972), popularly known as “Rajaji” or “C. R.”, was a great patriot, astute politician, incisive thinker and one of the greatest statesmen. A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, he was an ardent freedom-fighter. In his capacity successively as Chief Minister of Madras, Governor of West Bengal Home Minister and the first Indian Governor-General of India, he has rendered yeoman service to country and left an indelible impress on contemporary life.