Morarji Desai, former Prime Minister of India, is a name etched in Indian political history, a testament to his principles and integrity. He was not only an exemplary leader for India but also garnered unprecedented respect from neighboring Pakistan – a level of esteem unmatched by any other Indian leader. Morarji Desai remains the only and first Prime Minister to be awarded the highest civilian honors from both India and Pakistan.
Pakistan's 'Nishan-e-Pakistan'
On August 14, 1990, Pakistan bestowed upon Morarji Desai the 'Nishan-e-Pakistan' award. This is Pakistan's highest civilian honor, rarely conferred upon a foreign national, except under extraordinary circumstances. This accolade symbolized Desai's policies and his efforts towards peace between the two nations.
A Principled Politician with Unwavering Ideals
Morarji Desai was among the few leaders who never compromised their principles. His staunch opposition to Indira Gandhi and his fearless stance during the Emergency exemplify this. Desai displayed unwavering firmness in all his political decisions. His resignation from the administrative service to enter politics further underscores this resolute commitment.
The Reason Behind Pakistan's Highest Honor?
Various theories have emerged regarding this honor. One prominent speculation suggests that during Desai's premiership, he did not permit Israeli aircraft to use Indian territory for attacks on Pakistani nuclear installations. This, it is claimed, provided Pakistan with relief and was viewed as a gesture towards peace.
However, defense expert Alok Bansal refutes this theory, believing that Pakistan awarded Desai the honor as a goodwill gesture in response to India's conferring the Bharat Ratna on Frontier Gandhi Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
From 'Gungi Gudiya' to Prime Minister: A Struggle
Desai's political rivalry with Indira Gandhi is well-documented. During the 1966 Prime Ministerial contest between Indira Gandhi and Morarji Desai, Desai famously criticized Indira Gandhi, referring to her as "Gungi Gudiya" (a dumb doll). Despite this, Indira Gandhi consolidated her power within the Congress and became Prime Minister, while Desai moved to the opposition.
Jayaprakash Narayan's Support Paves the Path to PM
Morarji Desai joined the Janata Party wave that emerged in protest against the Emergency and achieved a historic victory in 1977. While Chaudhary Charan Singh and Jagjivan Ram were also contenders, Jayaprakash Narayan's support propelled Morarji Desai to the Prime Ministership. His tenure, which lasted until 1979, is remembered for his honesty and simplicity.
Morarji Desai's political journey exemplifies principles, simplicity, and transparency. While he remained a symbol of unwavering ideals within India, his recognition by Pakistan established a new precedent on the international stage. His legacy continues to inspire, demonstrating that politics can be a practice not just of power, but also of principles.
