P. V. Narasimha Rao
Awards & Honours
2
Awards Won
2
Honours
3
Records
Rao's greatest achievement is the 1991 economic liberalization, which transformed India from a protected, socialist-style economy to a globally integrated one. He is universally recognized as the 'Father of Indian Economic Reforms.' His posthumous Bharat Ratna in 2024 cements his legacy as one of India's most consequential leaders. The enduring impact of his policies is evident in India's sustained high growth rates over the following decades.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Bharat Ratna
Posthumously awarded India's highest civilian honor for his role in economic reforms and public service.
Portrait at Raj Bhavan
Portrait unveiled on his birth anniversary by the Governor of Telangana.
Records & Feats
First person from South India to become Prime Minister
Rao was the first Prime Minister of India from a South Indian state, representing Andhra Pradesh.
Second non-Hindi speaking Prime Minister
He was the second Prime Minister from a non-Hindi speaking background, after Morarji Desai.
Architect of India's 1991 economic reforms
Rao initiated sweeping liberalization that dismantled the License Raj and opened India to foreign investment.