Morarji Desai

Date of Birth: February 29, 1896

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: April 10, 1995

Biography

Morarji Desai was an Indian independence activist and politician who served as the 4th Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979. Born in Bhadeli, Bombay Presidency (now in Gujarat), he was an important figure in India’s struggle for independence, and later, a key leader in the Indian National Congress. Desai was known for his strong adherence to Gandhian principles and his emphasis on austerity and simplicity. Before becoming Prime Minister, he held several key governmental positions, including Chief Minister of Bombay State, and Finance Minister of India. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by efforts to improve governmental transparency and reduce corruption, but he faced challenges such as internal political strife and economic pressures.

5 Interesting Facts about Morarji Desai

1. Morarji Desai was the first Prime Minister of India who did not belong to the Indian National Congress.

2. He was also the oldest person to hold the office of Prime Minister of India, assuming office at the age of 81.

3. Desai was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1991.

4. He was known for his practice of drinking his own urine as part of a naturopathic treatment, which he publicly advocated.

5. Desai survived an assassination attempt in 1975 when a bomb exploded at a rally he was attending.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Morarji Desai

1. “My nature is to be linear, and when I am not, I feel I have betrayed myself.”

2. “If you want to live a long life, the best thing to do is to drink your own urine.”

3. “The end result of kindness is that it draws people to you.”

4. “The only way to reform a person is through love.”

5. “Corruption is the enemy of development, and of good governance.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Morarji Desai was known for his simplicity and austerity, and did not amass significant personal wealth. His highest net worth was modest, reflecting his lifestyle.