Morarji Desai, India's first non-Congress Prime Minister died aged 99 on April 10th 1995. Born on February 29th 1896, he spent a lifetime in the service of India's people. After a long career in India's freedom movement and in civil service, he served as the fourth Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979. Desai was a nationalist leader who fought for India's independence from British Rule and strongly advocated for democracy, decentralization, and social justice. He was widely respected for his humility and unwavering commitment to principles of non-violence and simplicity. In a distinguished political career, Desai held numerous positions - as Chief Minister of Bombay State (1952-1956), Deputy Prime Minister of India (1967-1969), Home Minister of India (1975-1977), and two non-consecutive terms as Prime Minister (1977-1979). Desai was awarded India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1991. He will be remembered for his bold leadership, iron resolve, and remarkable contributions to India's freedom struggle, social reform, and economic development. He will forever remain an inspirational leader to India's citizens and to generations of public servants in India, and around the world.