Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary, remembering his enduring contribution to India’s progress and describing him as an able administrator and distinguished scholar.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Tributes to former Prime Minister Shri PV Narasimha Rao Ji on his birth anniversary. He made enduring contributions to India’s progress during a critical phase of our nation’s history. He made a mark as an able administrator. He was also a distinguished scholar, blessed with immense knowledge and understanding of India’s diverse culture.”
Leaders from across the political spectrum also paid homage to the former Prime Minister.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Rao as a visionary leader and distinguished statesman who played a defining role in India’s economic transformation.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also remembered the Bharat Ratna awardee on his birth anniversary, paying tribute to his contribution to the nation.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government introduced path-breaking economic liberalisation reforms that accelerated economic growth, expanded opportunities for the middle class and placed India on a long-term development trajectory.
Kharge also recalled Rao’s contribution to India’s nuclear programme and his role in introducing the Look East Policy, describing his leadership as instrumental in strengthening India’s foreign policy and strategic outlook.
Born on June 28, 1921, in Karimnagar, P.V. Narasimha Rao studied at Osmania University, Bombay University and Nagpur University before entering public life.
He held several ministerial portfolios in the Andhra Pradesh government, including Law, Information, Health, Education and Endowments, and later served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1971 to 1973.
Rao went on to become India’s ninth Prime Minister, serving from 1991 to 1996. Widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation, he is credited with dismantling the Licence Raj and steering the country through a period of major economic reforms that reshaped India’s economy.
His tenure also witnessed significant developments in foreign policy and strategic affairs, including the launch of the Look East Policy, which laid the foundation for deeper engagement with Southeast Asia.
P.V. Narasimha Rao was posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2024 in recognition of his contributions to the nation.
-IANS
