Morarji Desai Biography

 Morarji Desai was an Indian independence activist and politician who served as the fourth Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979. Here is a brief biography of his life

Morarji Desai Biography:

Early Life and Career:

Morarji Desai was born on February 29, 1896, in Bhadeli, a village in the present-day state of Gujarat, India. After completing his education, he began his career as a teacher in a school in Gujarat. Later, he joined the Indian Civil Service and worked in various administrative positions before resigning in 1930 to join the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.

Involvement in Indian Independence Movement:

Desai was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and was actively involved in the Indian independence movement. He participated in various non-violent protests and was imprisoned several times by the British authorities. In 1937, he was elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly and served as the Minister of Revenue and Agriculture in the government of Bombay until 1939.

Family:

Morarji Desai was married to Gujraben Desai, and the couple had a son named Kanti Desai and a daughter named Meghana Desai. Kanti Desai was an Indian civil servant and served as the Chief Secretary of Gujarat. Meghana Desai is a noted Bharatanatyam dancer and a social worker.

Apart from his immediate family, Morarji Desai was also related to other notable figures in Indian politics. He was the brother-in-law of another former Indian Prime Minister, Gulzarilal Nanda.

Political Career:

After India gained independence in 1947, Desai served in various important positions in the government of India. He was appointed as the Minister of Commerce and Industry in Jawaharlal Nehru's government in 1950 and later served as the Finance Minister from 1958 to 1963. In 1967, he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat and served in that position until 1971.

Prime Ministerial Tenure:

In 1977, the Janata Party a coalition of opposition parties, won the general election and Desai was appointed as the Prime Minister of India. During his tenure, Desai implemented several reforms aimed at reducing poverty, improving the standard of living of the poor, and promoting economic development. He also established closer ties with the United States and China and played a key role in resolving the Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka conflict.

Retirement and Legacy:

Desai resigned as Prime Minister in 1979 and retired from active politics. He continued to be involved in public life and was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1991. Desai is remembered as a principled and honest politician who led a simple life and was committed to social justice and economic development. His emphasis on austerity and simplicity in public life set an example for future generations of politicians.

Death:

Morarji Desai passed away on April 10, 1995, at the age of 99. He died due to natural causes in Mumbai, India, where he had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness. Desai was a prominent figure in Indian politics and had served as the Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979. He was known for his austere lifestyle and strict adherence to principles such as prohibition and rural development. Desai's legacy is still remembered in India, and he is widely respected for his contributions to the country's political and social development.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Morarji Desai was a prominent leader in Indian politics who played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement and served as the Prime Minister of India during a crucial period in the country's history. He is remembered as a principled and honest politician who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.