India, Dec. 24 -- P. V. Narasimha Rao is often described as India's first "accidental" Prime Minister. Not only did he become Prime Minister unexpectedly, even earlier he had assumed office as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in a similar manner. In 1991, no one imagined that Rao would become the Prime Minister of India. Likewise, few had expected him to emerge as Chief Minister in Andhra Pradesh politics. Yet, after coming to power, the reforms he introduced permanently changed the future of Andhra Pradesh and the entire country.

Rao was a calm but determined rebel who never accepted the status quo. He believed in dialogue, strategy, and careful planning rather than open confrontation. Like a skilled diplomat, he began reforming rig...