India, Aug. 23 -- In 1939, Rajaji's message on singing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram on Jinnah's and Muslim League's objection that Congress accepted in 1937 is relevant even today.

C. Rajagopalachari, or Rajaji, is remembered for a familiar list of distinctions: Gandhi's close associate, the last Governor-General of India, founder of the Swatantra Party, and recipient of the Bharat Ratna. While these achievements alone secure his place in India's history as a critical leader of his time, Rajaji represents something unique: an Indian political tradition that combined nationalism with individual freedom, cultural rootedness with constitutional government, and economic liberty with a strong sense of personal responsibility. His politic...