Morarji Desai Biography
Born as | Morarji Ranchhodji Desai |
Known as | Morarji |
Occup. | Politician |
From | India |
Spouse | Gujraben Desai (1911-1981) |
Born | February 29, 1896 Bhadeli, Gujarat, India |
Died | April 10, 1995 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Aged | 99 years |
Early Life and Education
Morarji Desai was born on February 29, 1896, in Bhadeli, a little village in what is now the state of Gujarat, India. He was born into an influential family, and his daddy was a school instructor. Morarji was a bright and hardworking student who finished his schooling at the age of 16. He went on to study at the Wilson College in Mumbai (then Bombay), where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in English and History in 1918. He later on made a diploma in education from the Elphinstone College in Mumbai.
Career in the Civil Service
After completing his education, Desai signed up with the civil service as a probationary deputy collector in the Bombay Presidency. He slowly worked his method up in the administration, eventually serving as the Collector and District Magistrate of different districts in the Bombay Presidency area. In his capability as a civil servant, Desai made significant contributions to the advancement of agriculture and social welfare in these districts.
Entry into Politics and Independence Movement
In 1930, inspired by the leadership of
Mahatma Gandhi and his approach of non-violent civil disobedience, Morarji Desai resigned from his civil service post and signed up with the Indian National Congress (INC) to actively participate in India's struggle for self-reliance. He played an important role in organizing the civil disobedience motion in the Bombay Presidency and was imprisoned several times between 1930 and 1945.
Political Career in Post-Independence India
After India accomplished independence from British guideline in 1947, Morarji Desai continued his political career as a crucial leader of the INC. He was designated as the first Chief Minister of Bombay in 1952, where he concentrated on carrying out progressive policies, especially in the field of work and social well-being. In 1956, he was inducted into the central government, holding the portfolios of Home Affairs, Finance, and Commerce and Industry in the cabinets of Prime Ministers
Jawaharlal Nehru and
Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Prime Minister of India
Following the death of Prime Minister
Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966, Morarji Desai objected to for the management of the INC, but ultimately lost to
Indira Gandhi. However, he continued to be an influential leader within the celebration and was later on appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in
Indira Gandhi's government.
In 1969, due to distinctions with the prime minister, Desai and his fans split from the INC and formed a brand-new political celebration, the Indian National Congress (Organization). In the late 1970s, after the Emergency guideline enforced by
Indira Gandhi, Desai's party combined with other opposition parties to form the Janata Party, which contested and won the 1977 basic elections. As the leader of the Janata Party, Morarji Desai became the very first non-Congress Prime Minister of India on March 24, 1977.
During his tenure as prime minister, Desai concentrated on restoring civil liberties, starting financial reforms, and enhancing India's relations with crucial countries such as the United States, China, and Pakistan. His federal government also implemented numerous administrative and legal reforms focused on lowering corruption and guaranteeing greater openness in governance. However, due to internal conflicts within the Janata Party, Desai's federal government might not complete its full term, and he resigned as prime minister on July 15, 1979.
Retirement from Politics and Personal Life
After stepping down from active politics, Morarji Desai committed his time to social work and advocacy for world peace. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's greatest civilian award, in 1991, in acknowledgment of his contributions to the country. He was also known for promoting yoga and naturopathy, and he practiced urine treatment as a kind of alternative medicine.
Morarji Desai was married to Gujraben and was blessed with 5 kids-- four boys and a daughter. He died at the age of 99 on April 10, 1995, in Mumbai, India.
Legacy
Morarji Desai's political career spanned across six years, during which he made considerable contributions to the Indian independence movement and the advancement of post-independence India. A stalwart of Indian politics, his role in developing parliamentary democracy in India and his dedication to Gandhian concepts of non-violence and self-reliance will continue to inspire generations of Indians.
Our collection contains 17 quotes who is written / told by Morarji.
Related authors: Mahatma Gandhi (Leader), Indira Gandhi (Statesman), Jawaharlal Nehru (Leader), Lal Bahadur Shastri (Leader), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete)
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