Morarji Desai Biography in English | Fourth Prime Minister of India | Indians Biography

 Fourth Prime Minister of India Morarji Desai Biography in English

Morarji Desai was an Indian politician and the fourth Prime Minister of India, serving from 1977 to 1979. He was born on February 29, 1896, in Bhadeli, Bombay Presidency (now in Gujarat, India), and he passed away on April 10, 1995, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India.

Desai's political career began during the Indian independence movement. He was associated with the Indian National Congress and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, participating in various civil disobedience movements against British rule.

After India gained independence in 1947, Desai held several key positions in the government, including Chief Minister of the Bombay State (1952-1956) and Minister of Finance in Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet (1956-1963). He played a crucial role in economic planning and policy formulation during his tenure as Finance Minister.

Desai's political career saw a significant turn when he resigned from the Congress party in 1969 due to differences with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He subsequently joined the opposition, forming the socialist-oriented Janata Party in 1977.

In 1977, following the end of Indira Gandhi's Emergency Rule, Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister of India, leading the Janata Party coalition to victory in the general elections. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by efforts to implement austerity measures and promote Gandhian principles. Desai's government focused on decentralization and reducing the central government's control over various aspects of governance.

However, Desai's tenure was marred by internal conflicts within the Janata Party and economic challenges, leading to its downfall. In 1979, he resigned as Prime Minister following disagreements within the coalition government.

Morarji Desai remained active in Indian politics even after his tenure as Prime Minister. He continued to advocate for Gandhian principles and was known for his frugal lifestyle and teetotalism. Desai's legacy is remembered for his contributions to India's economic policies and his role in shaping the country's political landscape during a critical period of transition.

Morarji Desai's life and career:-

1. Early Life and Education:- 

Morarji Desai was born into a Gujarati family in Bhadeli village, Bombay Presidency (now in Gujarat), British India. He came from a humble background and was deeply influenced by the principles of Mahatma Gandhi from an early age. Desai studied at Wilson High School in Bombay (now Mumbai) and later attended the University of Bombay (now Mumbai University), where he graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts.

2. Civil Service Career:- 

Initially, Desai pursued a career in the civil service and worked in the revenue department of the Bombay Presidency. However, he was drawn into the Indian independence movement and became actively involved in politics, aligning himself with the Indian National Congress.

3. Role in the Independence Movement:- 

Morarji Desai actively participated in various campaigns and movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, including the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement. He was imprisoned several times by the British authorities for his involvement in nationalist activities.

4. Post-Independence Political Career:- 

After India gained independence in 1947, Morarji Desai held several ministerial positions in the central government. He served as Minister of Commerce and Industry, Minister of Finance, and Deputy Prime Minister under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

5. Chief Minister of Bombay State:- 

Desai's tenure as the Chief Minister of Bombay State (now divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat) from 1952 to 1956 was marked by efforts to promote industrialization and economic development in the region.

6. Finance Minister:- 

As Finance Minister in Nehru's cabinet, Morarji Desai played a pivotal role in shaping India's economic policies, including the formulation of the country's Five-Year Plans and the introduction of significant tax reforms.

7. Split from Congress:- 

Desai's differences with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi led to his resignation from the Congress party in 1969. He criticized Gandhi's policies, including her handling of the economy and the internal functioning of the party.

8. Formation of Janata Party:- 

Following the imposition of the Emergency by Indira Gandhi in 1975, Desai played a crucial role in uniting various opposition parties to form the Janata Party, which ultimately led to the defeat of the Congress party in the 1977 general elections.

9. Prime Ministership:- 

Morarji Desai's tenure as Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979 was marked by his efforts to implement austerity measures and promote transparency in governance. He was known for his simplicity and honesty in public life.

10. Post-Prime Ministerial Years:- 

After resigning as Prime Minister, Morarji Desai remained active in politics and continued to advocate for social and economic reforms. He also authored several books, including his autobiography titled "The Story of My Life."

11. International Relations:- 

As Prime Minister, Morarji Desai placed significant emphasis on non-alignment and pursued a foreign policy based on peaceful coexistence and friendship with all nations. He sought to maintain cordial relations with both the Western and Eastern blocs during the Cold War era.

12. Nuclear Policy:- 

Desai's government maintained India's policy of nuclear disarmament and advocated for global nuclear nonproliferation. He was a strong proponent of peaceful uses of atomic energy but opposed nuclear weapons, a stance consistent with his commitment to nonviolence.

13. Agricultural Reforms:- 

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Desai's government introduced various reforms aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and improving the welfare of farmers. These included measures to increase investment in agriculture, provide better access to credit, and enhance agricultural infrastructure.

14. Social Policies:- 

Morarji Desai's government implemented several social welfare programs aimed at poverty alleviation and improving the living standards of marginalized communities. These initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and rural development.

15. Internal Challenges:- 

Despite his efforts to promote unity within the Janata Party coalition, Desai faced numerous challenges from within the government. Factionalism and ideological differences among coalition partners often hindered the smooth functioning of his administration.

16. Resignation:- 

Desai's tenure as Prime Minister came to an end in 1979 when he resigned from office following disagreements within the Janata Party coalition. His resignation was prompted by a motion of no confidence brought against his government in the Parliament.

17. Later Years:- 

After stepping down as Prime Minister, Morarji Desai continued to be active in public life. He remained involved in social and political activities, advocating for various causes, including prohibition and anti-corruption measures.

18. Health Practices:- 

One notable aspect of Morarji Desai's personal life was his adherence to strict health practices. He was a staunch advocate of naturopathy and believed in the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through practices such as fasting, yoga, and vegetarianism.

19. Legacy:- 

Morarji Desai's legacy is remembered for his contributions to India's freedom struggle, his significant role in shaping the country's economic policies, and his commitment to Gandhian principles of simplicity, honesty, and nonviolence. He remains an influential figure in Indian politics, revered for his integrity and dedication to public service.

Morarji Desai's multifaceted career and contributions to various fields continue to be studied and celebrated in India, making him one of the most respected leaders in the country's history