Background
DESAI, Morarji was born on February 29, 1896 in Bhadeli, Gujarat. Son of Ranchhodji Desai and Smt. Vajiyaben.
DESAI, Morarji was born on February 29, 1896 in Bhadeli, Gujarat. Son of Ranchhodji Desai and Smt. Vajiyaben.
Wilson College, Bombay University.
Honorary Doctor of Laws (Kamatak University 1957, LUkal ITniv., Cuttack 1962).
Served in the Provincial Civil Service, Government, of Bombay 1918-1930. Joined Civil Disobedience Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi 1930, convicted twice 1930-1934. Minister for Revenue, Cooperation, Agriculture and Forests 1937-1939.
Imprisoned in the Quit India Movement 1940-1941, detained 1942-1945. Home and Revenue Minister, Bombay 1946-1952. Chief Minister of Bombay 1952-1956.
Minister for Commerce and Industry 1956-1958, for Finance 1958-1963. Resigned from Government, to work for Congress Organization 1963. Chairman Administration Reforms Commission, Government, of India 1966-1967.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance 1967-1969. Chairman Pari. Group Congress Party (Opposition) 1969-1977. Arrested 1975-1977; Chair, and Leader Janata Party (electoral alliance of 4 non-communist opposition parties) 1977-1979.
Prime Minister of India 1977-1979, also former Minister for Atomic Energy, Space, Electronics, Science and Technology. President Lok Bharati University. Fellow, College, of Physicians and Surgeons, Bombay.
Honorary Doctor of Laws (Kamatak University 1957, LUkal ITniv., Cuttack 1962). Jewel of India 1991. Minister and His Responsibilities, The Story of My Life, Indian Unity: From Dream to Reality (Patel Memorial lectures).
All-India Congress Committee 1931-1969, Treasure 1950-1958, Secretary Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee 1931-1937, 1939-1946. Lok Sabha 1957-1979; and Chair, numerous trusts.
Married Smt. Gajraben Desai in 1911.