Early Life and Education

Morarji Ranchhodji Desai was born on February 29, 1896, in Bhadeli village, located in present-day Gujarat. He came from a humble, middle-class family. His father was a schoolteacher, which instilled in Desai a deep respect for education, discipline, and values.

Desai studied at Wilson College in Mumbai and later joined the British civil service in Bombay State. However, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and the national movement, he resigned from his government job to participate in India’s struggle for independence.

Role in the Freedom Struggle

Morarji Desai became an active member of the Indian National Congress and played a significant role in the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. He was imprisoned multiple times by British authorities for his participation in these movements.

His dedication to the cause of Indian independence earned him a reputation as a determined and honest leader.

Political Career After Independence

After India gained independence in 1947, Morarji Desai held several key positions in the government. He served as the Chief Minister of Bombay State from 1952 to 1956 and later became the Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in the Union Government.

Desai was known for his administrative efficiency, conservative economic policies, and unwavering commitment to discipline and integrity.

Break with Congress and Formation of Janata Party

In 1969, Desai left the Congress Party due to ideological differences with Indira Gandhi. When Indira declared a national Emergency in 1975, suspending democratic rights, Desai emerged as one of the strongest voices in opposition.

In 1977, after the Emergency ended, multiple opposition parties united to form the Janata Party, with Morarji Desai as a senior leader. The party won a historic victory in the general elections that year.

Prime Minister of India (1977–1979)

On March 24, 1977, Morarji Desai became the 4th Prime Minister of India, making history as the first non-Congress leader to assume the position. He was also the oldest person to hold the office, at the age of 81.

As Prime Minister, Desai focused on restoring democracy, press freedom, and civil liberties that had been suppressed during the Emergency. He promoted a clean and honest government and took strong steps to reduce corruption.

Resignation and Later Life

Despite his ideals, the Janata government struggled with internal conflicts and ideological differences. In 1979, the coalition fell apart, leading to Desai’s resignation from the Prime Minister’s post.

After retiring from politics, he lived a peaceful life and continued advocating for simple living and moral values. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1991 and passed away on April 10, 1995, at the age of 99.

Legacy

Morarji Desai is remembered as a disciplined, honest, and principled leader. His tenure as Prime Minister, though short-lived, marked a turning point in Indian democracy by showing that peaceful transitions of power were possible outside the Congress party.