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memorial in Salem  TNN Dec 25, 2011, 04.02AM IST  SALEM: Ahead
of the 39th death anniversary of senior statesman C R
Rajagopalachari on Sunday, a section of his admirers here have
demanded that a mani mandapam be constructed to remember his
legacy. CR or Rajaji, as he was popularly known, was born in
Thorapalli, a village now in Krishnagiri district, and started
his career in public life in Salem. However, the former chief
minister of Madras state and the only Indian to hold the office
of the Governor General is a near-forgotten figure in the town.
Rajaji's political career began in Salem in 1900 where he, a
22-year-old then, enrolled as a lawyer. He became a member of
Salem municipality in 1911 and served as chairman from 1917 to
1919. "During his chairmanship, he raised voice against
untouchability and passed some important resolutions towards its
removal. It was after that the so-called untouchables were
allowed to walk freely on the streets in