Pamulaparthi Venkata Narasimha Rao, born on June 28, 1921, in a small village near Karimnagar, now in Telangana, was a man of many talents, serving as India's 9th Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996.
His tenure is often remembered for liberalizing India's economy, a bold move that set the stage for the country's economic boom in subsequent decades. Rao was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 2024, recognizing his monumental contributions to the nation's progress.
Rao's journey into politics was somewhat serendipitous. Initially planning to retire from politics, the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 changed his course, leading him to ascend as the Prime Minister.
He was the first from South India and the second from a non-Hindi speaking background to hold this esteemed position. His linguistic prowess was remarkable, speaking 17 languages, which included his mother tongue Telugu, Marathi, and several others like Arabic, English, French, German, Persian, and Spanish. This ability made him a prolific reader and speaker, especially in Marathi, thanks to his college days at Fergusson College in Pune.
Despite holding influential governmental positions, he faced financial struggles. One of his sons was educated with the help of his son-in-law, and Rao faced challenges in paying fees for a daughter studying medicine. In a humorous twist of fate, Rao once had to ask his friends to sell his house in Banjara Hills to settle lawyer fees.
He was an avid reader with an extensive personal library, enjoyed Indian classical music, being a skilled veena player, and had a deep interest in spiritual and philosophical discussions. His love for literature extended to writing fiction in Hindi, Marathi, and Telugu, showcasing his cultural depth. In the 1940s, Rao edited a Telugu weekly, showcasing his early engagement with literature and journalism, a testament to his intellectual breadth.
Rao's simple and frugal lifestyle was another aspect that endeared him to many, choosing modesty even while serving as Prime Minister.
His political acumen was likened to the ancient Indian strategist Chanakya, due to his ability to maneuver through political challenges with a minority government. However, his term was not without controversy, notably the demolition of the Babri Mosque in 1992, which led to communal violence.
During this tumultuous time, Rao chose a path of silence, locking himself in a room and refusing to attend phone calls, perhaps as a way to maintain political neutrality or to ponder over the implications of the event. This silent contribution to the political climate around the Ram Mandir issue has been interpreted by some as a strategic move to avoid escalating tensions further.
Rao's life was a blend of scholarly pursuits, political strategy, and personal humility, making his biography not just a record of political achievements but a story of a multifaceted individual who left an indelible mark on India's history.