Morarji Ranchhodji Desai, the fourth Prime Minister of India, led India’s first non-Congress government from 1977 to 1979. He also served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1967 to 1971. Born the son of a school teacher in Bhadehi village, now in Bulsar district of Gujarat, Desai was imprisoned thrice during the Indian freedom struggle. He died on April 10, 1995, at the age of 99 at a hospital in Mumbai.

Born on February 29, 1896, in Bhadeli village of Gujarat’s Bulsar district, Morarji Desai learned the value of hard work from his school teacher father. He became a civil servant and served as the Deputy Collector for 12 years. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s call to freedom, Desai joined the Independence movement.

Morarji Desai died on April 10, 1995, at the age of 99 at a hospital in Mumbai. On his death anniversary, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about his life and memorable quotes.

MORARJI DESAI BIRTH ANNIVERSARY 2024: TOP QUOTES

1. Life at any time can become difficult; life at any time can become easy. It all depends upon how one adjusts oneself to life.
2. I believe in preventing cruelty to all living beings in any form.
3. One can’t be kind to one person and cruel to another.
4. An expert gives an objective view. He gives his own view.
5. Self-help must precede help from others. Even for making certain of help from heaven, one has to help oneself.

MORARJI DESAI BIRTH ANNIVERSARY 2024: INTERESTING FACTS

1. During his political journey, he held various government posts, starting with the Chief Ministership of Bombay State in 1952. He was then elected as India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry in 1956, and as Finance Minister in 1958. Later, in 1967, Desai joined Indira Gandhi’s cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister.
2. Morarji Desai presented the Union Budget for a record 10 times as Finance Minister.
3. Despite his loyalty to the Congress party during his five-decade-long political career, in 1969 he joined party dissenters against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s rule.
4. In 1975, Indira Gandhi declared Emergency, during which Desai was arrested and detained. He was later released in January 1977.
5. In the 1977 polls, the Janata Party defeated Indira Gandhi and the Congress, with Desai being elected as the party leader. Morarji Desai then became India’s first non-Congress Prime Minister.
6. Desai had assured to end poverty in 10 years and ban alcohol, but his government didn’t last long. He resigned after 28 months in office due to a revolt within the Janata Party.
7. Known for his simplicity and austere lifestyle, Morarji Desai was also a vegetarian. During an interview with an American TV network in 1978, he credited his longevity to drinking his own urine.
8. Morarji Desai was awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civilian award, in 1988.