High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Morarji Ranchhodji Desai (29 February 1896 – 10 April 1995) was an Indian independence activist and the fourth Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979. He was also the Prime Minister to head the first non-Congress Government of India. After assuming the office, Desai promoted his policies and peace initiatives between Pakistan and India to avoid conflicts, such as Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. For this, he was conferred with the Nishaan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), the highest civilian award in Pakistan. Desai is the only Indian national to receive this award.