Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, affectionately known as Rajaji, was an ardent patriot, great social reformer, incisive thinker, eminent litterateur and, above all, a moral giant.

Born on December 10, 1878, Rajaji was one of the earliest to join Gandhiji in the Civil Disobedience Movement and was described by Gandhiji himself as his "Conscience  Keeper".

Rajaji succeeded Lord Mountbatten of Burma as the first Indian to be Governor-General of India in 1948.

At the instance of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajaji joined the Gandhi Peace Foundation. Delegation to visit America and some other leading Western countries to plead for the stoppage of nuclear explosions.

In his later years, Rajaji set himself up as the champion of democratic and moral values. Till his death on December 25, 1972, he was totally devoted to national welfare and human  rights.

Rajaji's fame as an author and litterateur will perhaps outlive his fame as a politician, as in his own words "the best service I have rendered to my people is writing of the Ramayana  and the Mahabharata."

The stamp shows Rajaji taking oath as Governor­ General.

The P&T Department feels honoured to bring out a commemorative  stamp on the birth  centenary  of  Rajaji.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India