Morarji Desai Death Anniversary 2024: Lesser-known Facts About the Fourth Prime Minister of India

Morarji Desai was a political figure known for his contributions to the independence of India against the British and his tenure as the fourth Prime Minister of India. He is remembered for his simplicity, integrity, and dedication to public service. He became a civil servant and served as the Deputy Collector for over 12 years. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology, Desai joined the Independence movement. He served as the Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979. He was also the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1967 to 1971. Desai died on April 10, at the age of 99.

Facts about Morarji Desai You Probably Didn’t Know

1. Morarji Desai was born on February 29, 1896, in Bhadeli, Gujarat, British India (now in Gujarat, India). He belonged to a Gujarati Anavil Brahmin family.
2. He pursued his education at the University of Mumbai.
3. Desai was deeply involved in the independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. He took part in various protests including the Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement.
4. Desai served as the Chief Minister of Bombay State, now Maharashtra and Gujarat, from 1952 to 1956, under the Indian National Congress.
5. He was the Finance Minister of India from 1958 to 1963 under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He implemented several economic reforms during his tenure, including the abolition of the gold control laws.
6. In 1963, he resigned from the Union Cabinet under the Kamraj Plan. Lal Bahadur Shastri, who succeeded Jawaharlal Nehru as Prime Minister, persuaded him to become Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission at the time.
7. In 1967, Desai joined the Indira Gandhi cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of Finance.
8. Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979 and headed the Janata Party coalition government. He improved relations with neighboring countries – Pakistan and Bangladesh.
9. Morarji Desai got married to Gujraben in 1911 and had 5 children, out of which only 2 are currently alive.
10. Morarji Desai reportedly practiced urine therapy, which involves drinking one’s own urine for health reasons.
11. Morarji Desai died on April 10, 1995, at a hospital in Mumbai.