*P.V. Narasimha Rao was a true 'Telugu Bidda' and a shining example of balanced leadership.*
*P.V. Narasimha Rao knew 17 languages, an inspiration for today, especially when there is ongoing debate surrounding language: CM Chandrababu Naidu.*
*Atal Bihari Vajpayee carried forward P.V. Narasimha Rao’s reforms, and Prime Minister Modi accelerated them.*
*Reforms and sound public policy have the power to transform people’s lives and shape the direction of the nation.*
*CM Chandrababu Naidu recalls key reforms during the Vajpayee era, crediting him for spearheading the infrastructure and telecom revolutions.*
*By 2047, India will emerge as the number one country in the world, and Indians will be the number one global community.*
*Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu delivers lecture on “The Life and Legacy of P.V. Narasimha Rao” at the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library, New Delhi.*
New Delhi, July 15, 2025 (prajaamaravati):
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, delivered a compelling lecture on “The Life and Legacy of P.V. Narasimha Rao Garu” at the Prime Minister Museum and Library, Teen Murti Marg, New Delhi. The Chief Minister paid rich tributes to the former Prime Minister, praising his intellect, reformist zeal, and his profound contributions to India's political and economic landscape.
*Remembering a Visionary Statesman*
The Chief Minister recalled the warm and respectful relationship between himself and P.V. Narasimha Rao Garu, rooted in the spirit of the Telugu states, describing him as a shining example of balance and political maturity. “I had a very good equation with him and knew him very well. The Telugu community is proud of him. He was a true Telugu Bidda who reshaped the destiny of our great nation.”
Highlighting the extraordinary intellect of Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu remarked, “He mastered 17 languages,” embodying India’s rich cultural diversity. He noted that this aspect of Rao Garu’s life serves as an inspiration in today’s context, where language has increasingly become a subject of debate. The Chief Minister emphasized that Rao was among the rare leaders with firsthand experience navigating India’s socio-economic and political challenges, both before and after economic liberalization. “Born into a humble farming family, he displayed exceptional brilliance from a young age. He was a student leader, a freedom fighter, and a prolific scholar,” he added.
*The Economic Reformer India Needed*
Speaking about the economic scenario of pre-1991 India, the Chief Minister outlined how the country was shackled under the License Raj, with growth stagnating at 3-4%. By 1991, India faced an unprecedented economic crisis, and foreign reserves had dropped dangerously low.
He compared P.V. Narasimha Rao’s strategic courage to that of Deng Xiaoping of China, who initiated China’s reforms in 1978. He emphasized that public policy and political will to execute it were a strong combination in a leader. Recognizing crisis as an opportunity, Rao Garu launched the historic 1991 economic reforms, decisively transforming India's future. “We are all here today enjoying the fruits of the reforms he initiated,” CM Chandrababu Naidu said.
*Political Leadership and Consensus Building*
Praising the political acumen of P.V. Narasimha Rao Garu, the Chief Minister noted that despite leading a minority government, Rao Garu achieved the near-impossible by forging consensus among socialists, communists, and capitalists alike. He highlighted Rao Garu’s pivotal role in ending the License Raj, welcoming foreign investment, and setting the stage for India's IT revolution in the mid-1990s.
“Thanks to his reforms, India overcame its balance of payments crisis, opened up its economy, and set the stage for future growth,” he added.
*Catalyzing India’s IT Revolution and Youth Dividend*
CM Chandrababu Naidu reflected on the IT boom that followed economic liberalization and credited Rao Garu for enabling India’s first-mover advantage. He emphasized India’s strength in its demographic dividend, stating, “All countries are facing ageing problems. India has youngsters. I am 100% confident that India will become a global leader," he said, noting that economic reforms, demographic dividend, and first mover advantage in IT continue to be India's biggest strengths.
*Honouring Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Role in Infrastructure & Telecom*
The Chief Minister fondly recalled his association with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recognizing his vision in building India’s infrastructure and telecom backbone. He shared anecdotes of his efforts to influence national highway policy, including a visit to Malaysia that inspired him to push for the Golden Quadrilateral Project, beginning with the Nellore-Chennai highway as a proof of concept. He also referenced his role in the telecom revolution, which deregulated the sector and ensured mobile accessibility for every citizen.
*2014 and the Modi Era of Bold Reforms*
Shri Naidu described 2014 as a turning point, crediting Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ushering in a new era of bold, decisive leadership. Under PM Modi's stewardship, India rose from the 11th to the 4th largest economy, with a clear trajectory to become the 3rd largest by 2028.
He noted that PM Modi’s hallmark is as a leader who instills national pride, global respect, and strong foreign relations. Drawing comparisons to other economies, the Chief Minister remarked that "The goal is not just to grow fast, but to grow fairly, where every citizen, every region, and every sector shares fruits of progress, rightly called Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas." He also noted that according to the World Bank, India is now among the top four most income-equal countries, lifting over 17.1 crore Indians out of poverty in the last decade.
*The Need for Strong Public Policy and Leadership*
“Public policy must serve the people. For it to work effectively, we need stable governments and visionary leaders,” the Chief Minister asserted. He highlighted India’s global recognition in space, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and the rise of Indian billionaires as symbols of this transformation.
He stated that the world is now looking to India for solutions and leadership. “The world is watching. We must deliver,” he urged.
*Vision for Andhra Pradesh: Quantum Valley and Swarna AP 2047*
Responding to audience questions, Shri Naidu elaborated on his vision for Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the technology sector. He said that the Quantum Valley initiative was in line with the National Quantum Mission, aiming to create India’s answer to Silicon Valley. He highlighted curriculum reforms, youth leadership in his party, and a conscious effort to bring young, educated MLAs into governance. He reiterated the launch of Swarna Andhra Pradesh 2047, a blueprint for a healthy, wealthy, and happy state, driven by inclusive development. On the subject of agriculture, the Chief Minister said, “We must handhold agriculture as our traditional occupations evolve.” On equitable wealth distribution, emphasized the need to align the aspirations of farmers with broader policy reforms. He also spoke of P4, urging the top 10% high-net-worth individuals to uplift the bottom 20%, citing Bill Gates’ philanthropic model as an example.
*A Call to Youth and Final Tributes*
The Chief Minister congratulated the Prime Minister Museum and Library Committee for its efforts to preserve India’s political legacy. He called upon the youth to enter politics, stating, “Politicians shape policy. Youth must participate to shape the future.”
*India at 100*
Concluding the address, the Chief Minister expressed unwavering optimism, adding, “I am 100% confident that by 2047, India will be the No. 1 country in the world. When we celebrate 100 years of independence, Indians will lead the world.”
The Chief Minister felicitated the former Prime Minister's son, Shri P.V. Prabhakar Rao, and grandson, Shri N.V. Subhash on the occasion. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session and distribution of prizes to young achievers.
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