P. V. Narasimha Rao (1921 - 2004), India's 9th Prime Minister, passed away on December 23, 2004, at the age of 83. He held the position from 1991 to 1996, making him the first southern Indian Prime Minister. Rao was a lifelong politician, having held various ministerial positions in the Andhra Pradesh government prior to becoming Prime Minister of India in 1991. He is credited with modernizing the economy and encouraging foreign investment. Additionally, he began a series of domestic economic reforms that eventually shifted India's autarchic economic model towards one of market-based liberalization. These advancements advanced India's economic power and modernized the region. He was awarded several awards and honors including the Best Administrator in India by the country's Institute of Directors in 2002. He was also presented with India's third highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2000. Aside from his tenure as Prime Minister, Rao will be remembered as a prolific author. He wrote several books including The Insider, a memoir of his political career, The Wakta, an anthology of Telugu plays, and Telugu Kavula Charitralu, a collection of folktales. His death marks the end of an era in Indian politics. He will be remembered for his wit, intelligence, and dedication to service.