PM Modi Remembers PV Narasimha Rao on Birth Anniversary

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Shri PV Narasimha Rao, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid a heartfelt tribute, recognizing his enduring legacy and pivotal contributions to India’s growth and transformation. Shri Narasimha Rao, often hailed as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation, was remembered for his exceptional leadership during one of the most critical junctures in the country’s post-independence history.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi posted:

Honouring Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu on his birth anniversary. India deeply appreciates his visionary leadership during a pivotal period in our development journey. His sharp intellect, profound wisdom, and scholarly depth continue to inspire and earn widespread respect.

A Statesman Remembered

Shri PV Narasimha Rao served as India’s 9th Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996, a period marked by intense economic crisis, global geopolitical shifts, and a rapidly changing domestic political landscape. Assuming office when India was grappling with a balance-of-payments crisis, Rao ushered in a new era of reforms that laid the foundation for the modern Indian economy.

He is credited with initiating sweeping economic liberalisation measures—dismantling the License Raj, opening markets, promoting foreign investment, and reducing red tape. Working closely with then Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Rao took bold, often politically risky decisions that reshaped the Indian economic narrative.

Intellect and Vision

Born in 1921 in present-day Telangana, Narasimha Rao was a polyglot, a scholar, and a thoughtful politician. He was proficient in more than a dozen languages and held deep interest in literature, philosophy, and culture. Beyond his administrative reforms, he left a mark as a thinker and intellectual who deeply understood India’s social complexities and global realities.

PM Modi’s tribute not only acknowledges Rao’s leadership during India’s transformative years but also honors the personal traits that earned him respect across political and ideological boundaries—his deep wisdom, humble demeanor, and unwavering dedication to the nation.

Legacy and Impact

PV Narasimha Rao’s tenure may have ended decades ago, but his impact continues to shape India’s economic policies and governance models. He has often been referred to as the “Father of Indian Economic Reforms”, and his strategies have influenced successive governments regardless of political affiliation.

Under his leadership:

• India shifted from a closed, state-controlled economy to a more market-oriented system
• The groundwork was laid for private sector growth
• New sectors were opened to global competition
• There was increased emphasis on technology and modernization

These policies not only pulled India out of economic crisis but also catalyzed long-term growth and global engagement.

Remembering Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu on his birth anniversary. India is grateful to him for his effective leadership during a crucial phase of our development trajectory. His intellect, wisdom and scholarly nature are also widely admired.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2025

Commemoration and National Reflection

Each year, PV Narasimha Rao’s birth anniversary becomes a moment of reflection for the nation—a time to appreciate the visionary leadership that dared to take bold steps when the stakes were high. Today’s tribute by Prime Minister Modi is part of a broader recognition that true nation-building transcends party lines, and that the legacy of transformational leaders deserves enduring national respect.

As India continues its path of development and seeks to become a global power, the blueprint left behind by leaders like Shri PV Narasimha Rao remains deeply relevant and instructive.