C. Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, was
the last Governor General of India. C. Rajagopalachari succeeded Lord
Mountbatten and was Governor General of India from 1948 to 1950. After
C. Rajagopalachari, the title of Governor General was abolished and was
replaced by President of India. C. Rajagopalachari also has the
distinction of being the first Indian Governor General of India.
C. Rajagopalachari was born on December 10, 1878 into a Tamil Brahmin
family in a small village called Thorapalli of the then Salem District.
He was one of the first recipients of India's highest civilian award
Bharat Ratna (in 1954). Rajaji occupied several important positions
during his public life. He became the Premier of Madras Presidency in
1937. He was again the Chief Minister of Madras State from 10 April 1952
to 13 April 1954. Rajaji succeeded Sardar Patel as the Home Minister of
India. Mahatama Gandhi used to call Rajaji as "the keeper of my
conscience". Rajaji died on December 25, 1972.
