RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka recently shared a picture on social media of a personal letter written by Ratan Tata to then prime minister PV Narasimha Rao in the 1990s, evoking a sense of nostalgia in comments. In the “personal” letter, dated August 27, 1996, Tata lauded Rao's bold economic reforms, which forever altered India's trajectory and global standing.
The letter reads, "While others' memories may be short, I will always recognize and respect your outstanding achievement in heralding much-needed economic reforms in India... You and your government put India on the world map in an economic sense."
Ratan Tata's letter was written shortly after the Congress Party’s defeat in the 1996 general elections, a time when many had turned their backs on Rao. In contrast, Tata expressed deep gratitude for Rao's contributions, saying, "My thoughts and best wishes are with you at this time... I believe personally that your achievements are momentous and outstanding."
Here is the full text of Ratan Tata’s letter to PV Narasimha Rao:
“Dear Mr. Narasimha Rao, As I read the recent spate of unkind references to you, I felt compelled to write you to tell you that while others' memories may be short, I will always recognize and respect your outstanding achievement in heralding much-needed economic reforms in India. You and your government put India on the world map in an economic sense and made us part of a global community. Every Indian should owe you a debt of gratitude for the courageous and far-sighted "opening up" of India. I believe personally that your achievements are momentous and outstanding – and they should never be forgotten.
The purpose of this letter is just to tell you that my thoughts and best wishes are with you at this time, and that you can have at least one person who has not, and will never, forget what you have done for India.
With warm personal regards, Yours sincerely, Ratan.”
Goenka, while sharing the letter on social media, captioned it, “Beautiful writing from a beautiful person,” stirring a wave of reactions online. Many echoed similar sentiments, appreciating the significance of both Tata's tribute and Rao's transformative leadership.
One user remarked, "Ratan Tata appreciated the ex-PM for opening up the Indian economy and expressed gratitude. A gem of India supporting another gem."
Comments on the post also highlighted Rao’s sidelined legacy within his own party, despite his monumental role in shaping modern India. Another user wrote, "Sri PV Narasimha Rao did so much for the country. Yet he was sidelined by his own party for reasons best known to them. He was no doubt a great leader and a visionary."
The letter is a reminder of PV Narasimha Rao’s critical role in India's economic liberalisation in the early 1990s, which paved the way for the country’s integration into the global economy.
One commenter stated, "All of us certainly owe to him for where India is today. He sowed the seeds of transformation."
PV Narasimha Rao, in the PM’s office from 1991 to 1996, died in 2004 while Tata Group’s Ratan Tata, a billionaire and philanthropist, died at 86 in Mumbai last week.
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