PV A multifaceted politician

At the time of his assuming office as PM, the country was on the verge of bankruptcy and facing high fiscal deficits. Under these circumstances, he led the country to stability and growth by ushering in globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation. He accelerated the revolutionary changes launched by Rajiv Gandhi in technology, telephone, TV and information sectors. The futuristic concept of PV is benefitting lakhs of our software engineers in America, Australia, Europe and India even today

A scholar among politicians a polyglot and a rare individual of versatile personality P V Narasimha Rao’s 94th birth anniversary falls on 28th June. At this juncture, it is essential to remember his services to the nation and the State. After the formation of Telangana State, the birth and the death anniversaries of Narasimha Rao are being conducted officially by the Government of Telangana, which is highly commendable.

Narasimha Rao was born in 1921 in Vangara village in Bheemadevarapally mandal in Karimnagar district. He grew up in Hyderabad State under Nizam’s rule. He was expelled from Osmania University for his active participation in the National Movement. He pursued his education in Nagpur University.

A graduate in law, PV was fluent in more than 17 languages and well-versed in subjects like Economics, Law, History, Politics and Arts. As a distinguished scholar and intellectual with vast literary pursuits, he translated Gnanapeet Award Winner Kavisamrat Viswanadha Satyanarayana’s Telugu Novel ‘Veyipadagalu’ into Hindi with the title ‘Sahasraphan.’ He blended in his life and political ideology in his semi-autobiographical novel ‘Insider.’

Narasimha Rao acquired political knowledge and leadership qualities as he was familiar with Telangana Peasants Movement, Nizam Andhra Mahasabha Conferences and Communist Movements. He played an active role in the Anti-Nizam Movement as a follower of Ramananda Theertha. He entered into the state politics as the successor of Ramananda Theertha.

PV’s political career began in Manthani in Karimnagar district. He was a Member of the AP State Legislative Assembly from 1962 to 1973. He rendered his services in various ministries. He was the State Information & Public Relations Minister from 1962 to 1964. During 1964-67, he served as the Health Minister. He also performed as the Education Minister (1967–1971).

The advent of Telangana Movement in 1969 resulted in many political changes. After the resignation of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy, PV accepted the position of Chief Minister as a Telanganite in 1971. But, he had to resign due to the Jai Andhra Movement.

Indira Gandhi invited him into national politics. He worked as the General Secretary of All India Congress Committee during 1977–1984. After having got elected as an MP from Ramtek, Maharashtra, he administered as the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Defence Minister and the Human Resources Development Minister. Indira Gandhi identified him for his political acumen. Later, he advised Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on many issues and reforms for keeping the status of India on a par with the world powers.

After the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, he made a great re-entry into national politics as the Prime Minister. He headed the minority party government with the alliance of other parties from outside and established a stable government. The era of alliance governments began, leading to NDA and UPA coming into existence.

With an intention to provide education to the rural students, PV started ‘Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya.’ In order to follow the three language formula scrupulously, he introduced Telugu as a subject of study in Navodaya Schools in North India. In the state of United Andhra Pradesh as Minister and Chief Minister, he introduced reservations to Backward Classes in education and employment sectors and also as the Prime Minister of India, honouring the Mandal Commission recommendations, he implemented 27% reservations for OBCs in the Central Services.

He possessed a national vision and the distant future was the width of his thought. PVji acted as the 10th Prime Minister of India from June 21, 1991, to May 16, 1996. At the time of his assuming office as PM, the country was on the verge of bankruptcy and facing high fiscal deficits.

Under these circumstances, Narasimha Rao led the country to stability and growth by ushering in globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation. He accelerated the revolutionary changes launched by Rajiv Gandhi in technology, telephone, TV and information sectors. The futuristic concept of PV is benefiting lakhs of our software engineers in America, Australia, Europe and India even today.

PV faced many challenges in his life. But, he faced criticism with patience and rendered his services silently. He never took hasty decisions. At the time of assuming the office of the PM, he was neither a Lok Sabha Member nor a Rajya Sabha Member. He contested from Nandyal in Kurnool district in AP and won with a majority of 5 lakh votes and his victory entered the Guinness Book of World Records.

A South Indian and an outsider of the Nehru-Gandhi family, Narasimha Rao’s ascendancy to the office of the Prime Minister of India is an important occurrence in the history of the country. Born in Telangana PV, he rose to the national and international levels and earned a name as one of the makers of modern India.

He passed away on December 23, 2004, at the age of 83. We should feel proud of him as he belongs to Telangana State. It is our duty to pay tribute to him on his 94th birth anniversary.

BY:Dr Vakulabharanam Krishna Mohan Rao

(The writer is an official spokesperson of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee)