Morarji Desai Birth Annivarsary | Rare Disease Day | Leap year | Ritam English

Born on February 29, 1896, Gujarat's Valsad, Morarji Desai was a prominent freedom fighter and the fourth Prime Minister of India. he helds the unique distinction as the only Prime Minister born on a leap day. Notably, he was the first non-Congress Prime Minister after India gained independence. Desai joined the freedom struggle in 1930, leaving his government job and actively participating in the movement under Gandhi's leadership. He faced imprisonment multiple times during this period. In 1937, he became the Minister of Revenue, Agriculture, Forests, and Cooperation in the first Congress government, implementing significant reforms. Later, he served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra in 1952, bringing about reforms in land revenue. Despite being removed from the Finance Ministry in 1967, he emerged as the Janata Party leader in 1977 and served as the Prime Minister, emphasizing the importance of truth and trust, stating that even the Prime Minister should not be above the country's law. Desai's commitment to principles and his significant contributions mark his legacy in India's political history.

by Editor Ritam English

Feb 29, 2024, 06:12 pm IST