‘Bharat Ratna’ PV Narasimha Rao – Telugu Pride To New Heights

From introducing bold economic reforms to dismantling the stifling License Raj, from being the father of the Indian Nuclear Bomb programme to creating an economically strong nation, Telugu pride, Telangana’s son, P. V. Narasimha Rao, the 9th Prime Minister of India, left an indelible mark on the history of our nation. 

Serving from 1991 to 1996, as the ‘Congress’ government’s Prime Minister, PV ushered in a new era of liberalization, while rescuing India from economic collapse. Under his leadership, India saw significant transformations including, establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, initiating India’s Look East policy, revitalizing the nuclear program, defeating the 1994 United Nations resolution against India, and effectively tackling insurgency in Punjab and terrorism in Kashmir. PV’s legacy endures as one of India’s most effective and visionary leaders. 

With proficiency in 17 languages, he is not only a multifaceted personality but the greatest Prime Minister ever seen by India. Quite shockingly, the Congress party sidelined him during his tenure, though he continued to rule for the full 5-years, being the first ever Indian PM to rule for the full term apart from the members of the Nehru-Gandhi family. While there might be political strategies behind BJP awarding “Bharat Ratna” to PV, surely this is a long pending recognition and honour, that the whole nation should cherish and Telugu people should be proud of. 

Born on 28 June 1921 at Laknepalli village in Warangal District of the-then Hyderabad state (Telangana now), PV Narasimha Rao, studied Masters In Law, edited a Telugu Patrika, wrote articles, took part in the Vandemataram movement, chaired Telugu Academy, became Chief Minister of United Andhra Pradesh in 1971, then became Loksabha MP, served as Home, Defence and Foreign Affairs Minister before becoming Prime Minister. He breathed last in 2004 after suffering a heart attack, but surprisingly Congress Party didn’t allow his body to be kept for visiting at AICC headquarters. He was later cremated in Hyderabad. 

The conferment of India’s highest civilian honour upon PV Narasimha Rao, following the recent awarding of the second highest civilian honour to prominent figures like Venkaiah Naidu and Megastar Chiru, undoubtedly elevates the sense of Telugu pride to new heights.