PMML holds special event to mark birth anniversary of former PM Narasimha Rao

The Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) recently held a special event to commemorate the 105th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. The event took place at the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, located within the historic Teen Murti Bhavan in New Delhi. This exhibition, titled "A Statesman’s Journey: P V Narasimha Rao," was launched by Nripendra Misra, the Executive Council chairman of PMML, on Saturday. It features a comprehensive collection of rare photographs, official documents, speeches, letters, and other archival materials that provide insight into Rao’s life and work. The exhibition runs until June 30, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of one of India’s most influential leaders.

Rao, who was born on June 28, 1921, in Karimnagar district of erstwhile Hyderabad state, played a pivotal role in India’s history. His early involvement in the anti-Nizam Vande Mataram movement as a student leader laid the foundation for his future contributions to the nation’s independence struggle. Throughout his career, he held numerous significant positions, including Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and minister for external affairs, home affairs, and defense. As Prime Minister from June 21, 1991, to May 16, 1996, Rao led India through a transformative era marked by economic liberalization, privatization, and globalization. His policies initiated a new phase of growth and integration into the global economy, earning him widespread acclaim.

In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, Rao was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024. The exhibition highlights these achievements and portrays Rao as a multifaceted figure—scholar, freedom fighter, reformer, and visionary leader. It underscores his role in shaping India’s position in the world and his lasting impact on the country’s socio-economic development. The PMML emphasized its goal of promoting awareness of Rao’s contributions among students, researchers, and the general public, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

In addition to the main exhibition in New Delhi, local celebrations were organized in Visakhapatnam, where political leaders and community members honored Rao’s memory. On June 28, 2026, a tribute ceremony was held at the Governor's Bungalow, attended by notable figures such as Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, MLAs Palla Srinivasa Rao and Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, MLC Botsa Satyanarayana, BJP leader G.V.L. Narasimha Rao, and writer Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad. Among them, G.V.L. Narasimha Rao called for the formal commemoration of both Rao’s birth and death anniversaries, emphasizing the need for broader recognition of his contributions. He noted Rao’s status as the only Telugu leader to hold the office of Prime Minister, Chief Minister of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, and president of the Indian National Congress. Additionally, he highlighted Rao’s remarkable ability to speak 16 languages, underscoring his intellectual versatility.

M. Sribharat praised Rao’s economic reforms, which created opportunities that encouraged skilled Indians abroad to return and contribute to national development. He encouraged the youth to look up to Rao’s journey from a farming background to becoming a key architect of modern India’s economic transformation. Former Special Duty Officer to Rao, Prasad, shared personal anecdotes about Rao’s simple lifestyle, effective administrative methods, and harmonious relationships with leaders from all political backgrounds. Other attendees included prominent figures such as Visakhapatnam South MLA Ch. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, NTR Vaidya Seva Trust Chairman Seethamraju Sudhakar, BJP leader Suhasini Anand, and YSR Congress Party leaders Botcha Jhansi and Dronamraju Srivatsava, who all paid their respects to Rao’s memory.

Looking ahead, there is growing interest in further commemorating Rao’s life and work. Discussions around establishing permanent memorials or expanding educational initiatives focused on his legacy are gaining traction. As the nation reflects on his contributions, the hope is that his story will continue to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for future leaders and citizens alike.