Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (1878-1972), better known as Rajaji, was a prominent Indian leader, statesman, and prolific writer. A key figure in India's struggle for Independence, he played a crucial role in shaping the nation's political landscape. He served as the last Governor-General of India and was also the first and only Indian to hold the position. Beyond his political prowess, Rajaji made significant literary contributions. A versatile writer, he penned influential works in English and Tamil, showcasing his deep understanding of political philosophy, spirituality, and social issues. His notable literary works include Mahabharata and Ramayana, retellings of the two great Indian epics. Rajaji's writings reflected his commitment to ethical governance, social justice, and the cultural heritage of India, leaving a lasting impact on both politics and literature in the country.

R. Venkatesh (b. 1970) is an award-winning Tamil Writer, Publishing Editor, and Magazine Editor. He started his literary career with the Tamil literary magazine Kanaiyazhi, and contributed short stories, articles, and features in mainstream and parallel magazines, under the guidance of eminent writers and journalists, such as Asokamitran and Indira Parthasarathy. Along with two anthologies of modern poems (Veru Mugam and Mugamattravar Ninaivaga), Venkatesh has published five short story collections: Perungoottathil Oruvan, Karainthavargal, Muthal Mazhai, Theenda Thirumeni, and Thirattuppaal, and two novels: Iruvar and Idaivelai. He has also translated three books on parenting and self-motivation from English to Tamil. Besides this monograph on Rajaji, Venkatesh's work for the Sahitya Akademi includes another one on Tamil writer Aadhavan Sundaram.

As a writer, I first became acquainted with Rajaji through his short stories. When I ventured into writing, I planned to read as many short stories and novels of senior Tamil writers as possible, and as part of this plan, I read Rajaji's short stories too. Several of those stories found a place in my heart. Similarly, I also relished reading his retellings of the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha.

It was only when the Sahitya Akademi commissioned me to write about Rajaji's literary contributions that I realised the magnitude of the work involved. I immediately collected a list of books he wrote. Then I visited one library after the other in Chennai and got my hands on most of his books. I was able to collect more than 50 books, all of which astounded me greatly when I read them.

After reading them, I was amazed as to what to mention and what to omit in my writing. Each reading opened my eyes to a specific facet of his personality. I could see in him a social reformer, an impeccable politician, a literary creator, a theologian, a mythologist, a children's writer, a journalist, a literary commentator and what not! I was truly stunned.

I was so awed that I did not read anything at all for the next few days. It was at this juncture that writer Subra. Balan, who has a close relationship with the magazine Kalki, brought me a huge wealth of literature-a treasure trove, of Rajaji's works. Balan, who was a researcher for the late writer Kalki, has been compiling books on various topics and publishing them for a long time. The documents he shared amazed me further.