Telangana Pushes for Hyderabad Central University to Honor PV Narasimha Rao
In an intriguing political and cultural move, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a proposal dear to many in the state. He wants Hyderabad Central University (HCU), a prestigious educational institution established in 1974, to bear the name of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. This request ties into Rao’s birth centenary celebrations, which are taking center stage in Telangana with year-long events to honor his legacy.
PV Narasimha Rao is a figure woven into the fabric of India's economic history. His tenure as Prime Minister is often credited with ushering in the era of economic liberalization that transformed India's economic landscape. A proud Telugu leader, Rao’s contributions resonate deeply within Telangana, where he’s often regarded as a 'precious son.' The proposal to rename HCU is seen as an alignment with local sentiments seeking to recognize and honor his impact.
In his formal letter to PM Modi, the Chief Minister didn't just stop at the renaming proposal. He plans to lead a delegation to Delhi to advocate for awarding the Bharat Ratna to Rao. Additionally, he extended invitations to national leaders to join celebrations acknowledging Rao’s achievements. Political circles are buzzing with discussions on how this move cleverly positions Rao within the fabric of Telangana's identity while potentially counterbalancing any portrayal of him by the BJP as a mere Telugu icon.
The centenary celebration at PV Gnana Bhoomi hosted a slew of activities with KCR unveiling a 26-foot tall bronze statue of Rao. Further cementing his legacy, the foundation is set for a Vidya Peetham at Kakatiya University. Roads, too, are part of the tributes—Necklace Road has been revamped in name to PV Narasimha Rao Marg. These acts are woven into a broader tradition in Telangana, where renaming has become a method of honoring local stalwarts, such as the rechristening of the NTR Health University.
Rao’s family played an integral part in the ceremonies, with close relatives like Vani Rao and PV Prabhakar Rao attending. The celebrations were punctuated by the release of literary works and heartfelt tributes by Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan. The initiative to rename institutions aligns with longstanding practices in the state, although not without some controversy. When educational institutes like the NTR Health University got new names that reflect local heroes like Kaloji Narayana Rao, some interpreted it as sidelining figures from Andhra, such as Potti Sriramulu. However, KCR remains firm in defending these moves as rightful tributes to regional icons deserving of acknowledgment.