Desai, Morarji Ranchhodji, 1896-1995, Indian political leader. He joined the government in 1956, becoming minister of finance (1958-63). He returned to government in 1967 as deputy prime minister and minister of finance, but in 1969 was maneuvered from office by Indira Gandhi and became leader of the conservative opposition. Leading an opposition coalition, he prevailed in the 1977 elections, ending Gandhi's emergency rule. He served as prime minister until 1979, when the coalition broke apart.

(born Feb. 29, 1896, Bhadeli, Gujarat, India—died April 10, 1995, Bombay) Prime minister of India (1977–79). The son of a village teacher, he joined the provincial civil service of Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1918. He joined Mohandas K. Gandhi's struggle in 1930 and spent almost 10 years in British jails in the 1930s and '40s. In 1969 he became chairman of the opposition to Indira Gandhi; he was detained in solitary confinement (1975–77) for his political activities. When elections were held in 1977, he became prime minister; by 1979, however, his coalition had unraveled, and he resigned.

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(born Feb. 29, 1896, Bhadeli, Gujarat, India—died April 10, 1995, Bombay) Prime minister of India (1977–79). The son of a village teacher, he joined the provincial civil service of Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1918. He joined Mohandas K. Gandhi's struggle in 1930 and spent almost 10 years in British jails in the 1930s and '40s. In 1969 he became chairman of the opposition to Indira Gandhi; he was detained in solitary confinement (1975–77) for his political activities. When elections were held in 1977, he became prime minister; by 1979, however, his coalition had unraveled, and he resigned.

Learn more about Desai, Morarji (Ranchhodji) with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Desai is an Indo-Aryan administrative title and surname derived from the words "dah sai", which mean "ten parts". Desais were revenue collectors who looked after a region or area on the ruler's behalf and in return would get ten percent share of revenue. Historically, the rulers of Gujarat (Western India) were honoured with the title 'Desai' they are the dominant caste of south Gujarat,and also in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Desais can now be found all over the Indian subcontinent and can belong to various castes and communities.

• Morarji Desai - The late Prime Minister of India.
• C. D. Desai - Chunnilal Devkaran Nanjee: "Desai" - Indian philatelist.
• Kiran Desai - The renowned Indian author, who was awarded the Man Booker Prize, 2006.
• Mahadev Desai - The secretary and assistant of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Manmohan Desai - The late film director who gave numerous entertaining Bollywood flicks
• Sunil Kumar Desai - Award-winning Kannada film director.
• Meghnad Desai, Baron Desai - Economist and life peer of the British Labour Party.
• Dr. Umedram Lalbhai Desai - Physian/Surgeon (1869-1930)
• Leela Desai - Famous Indian Actress/Producer
• Prachi Desai- Famous actress in Indian Film Industry
• Pranlal Desai- Active Leading Farmer Of Bhal Region.Dhandhuka
• Vinod Desai- Retired Indian Air Force.Settled In Dhandhuka
• Shailesh Desai- President Of Gujarat BSNL Franchiesses Association.
• Nitin Chandrakant Desai - multi-award winning Art Director and Production Designer based in Mumbai, India.
• Manibhai Desai- Indian social activist and pioneer of rural development. Winner of Ramon Magsaysay Award
• Ranjit Desai - Award winning Marathi author

Pritesh Desai - Award winning Biotechnologist