Born on March 20, 1921, Padinjarethalakal Cherian (P.C.) Alexander was more than just a bureaucrat, he was the unseen force behind some of India's most critical political decisions. A man of intellect and diplomacy, his career spanned five decades, during which he served as a top advisor to multiple Prime Ministers, including Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Few know that Alexander was one of the few Indians to hold a senior position at the United Nations, playing a key role in global trade negotiations. He was also instrumental in framing India's industrial policies in the 1970s, shaping the country's economic landscape.

A lesser-known fact? When Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984, Alexander was one of the first people consulted about the transition of power. He was also considered for the post of President of India in 2002 but stepped aside for A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

From serving as Maharashtra's Governor to shaping India's diplomatic relations, Alexander was a strategist whose influence remains unmatched. Though he worked behind the scenes, his legacy is deeply etched in India's political history.