Narasimha Rao's memorial ready at 'Rastriya Smriti'

NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao has finally got a memorial in his name in the national capital, ten years after his demise.

A memorial ghat for the late Narasimha Rao at 'Rashtriya Smriti' is ready now, a senior Urban Development Ministry official said.

Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu had earlier moved a proposal for the approval of the Union Cabinet for building a memorial for the former Prime Minister at 'Ekta Sthal' which is now integrated with 'Rashtriya Smriti', a common place for erecting memorials for former Presidents, Prime Ministers and others, with the approval of the Union Cabinet.

Naidu visited the site on June 15 and asked the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to complete the works relating to the memorial ghat for Rao ahead of the former Prime Minister's birth anniversary on June 28.

The official said barring the "jali" work around the memorial, it is complete now and anyone, who wants to pay respect can visit the site.

Rao's memorial is a raised on a plinth in marble with a plaque bearing texts, recalling briefly his contributions.

"Known as the scholar Prime Minister of India, Shri P V Narasimha Rao was born on 28th June, 1921 in Laknepalli Village, Warangal District in Telangana state. He rose to prominence as freedom fighter who fought the misrule of the Nizam during the formulative years of his political career," the plaque reads.

It goes on to add, "A reformer, educationist, scholar, conversant in 15 languages and known for his intellectual contribution, he was called the 'Brihaspati' (wiseman) of the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet between 1962 and 1971. He was the first Chief Minister to implement land reforms in the country in 1972.

"As a minister in the Union Cabinet from 1980-1989, he held various portfolios and brought in lasting changes in them. As Prime Minister of India, he ushered in economic reforms and laid the foundations for a strong and vibrant economy in India.

"PV Narasimha Rao died on 23rd December 2004, leaving behind a lasting legacy. He is fondly remembered as the architect of vibrant India," it says.