Shri Gulzari Lal Nanda was a prominent Indian politician and economist who served as the Prime Minister of India twice, albeit briefly, following the deaths of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. His contributions to India’s labor movement, economic planning, and governance remain significant. Below is a detailed biography presented in a dynamic and structured format.
Early Life and Education
Aspect
Details
Date of Birth
July 4, 1898
Place of Birth
Sialkot, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
Education
Studied at Lahore, Agra, and Allahabad; Research Scholar at Allahabad University (1920-1921)
Career and Contributions
Year
Role/Contribution
1921
Professor of Economics at National College, Bombay; Joined the Non-Cooperation Movement
1922-1946
Secretary of the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association
1932
Imprisoned for Satyagraha
1942-1944
Imprisoned again during the Quit India Movement
1937-1939
Elected to Bombay Legislative Assembly; Parliamentary Secretary (Labour and Excise), Bombay Government
1946-1950
Labour Minister of Bombay Government; Piloted the Labour Disputes Bill
1947
Delegate to the International Labour Conference in Geneva; Studied labor conditions in Europe
1950
Vice-Chairman of the Planning Commission
1951
Union Minister for Planning, Irrigation, and Power
1952
Elected to Lok Sabha from Bombay; Reappointed as Minister for Planning, Irrigation, and Power
1955
Led Indian Delegation to Plan Consultative Committee in Singapore
1957
Elected to Lok Sabha; Union Minister for Labour, Employment, and Planning; Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission
1959
Visited Germany, Yugoslavia, and Austria; Attended International Labour Conference in Geneva
1962
Re-elected to Lok Sabha from Sabarkantha, Gujarat; Initiated Congress Forum for Socialist Action
1962-1963
Union Minister for Labour and Employment
1963-1966
Union Minister for Home Affairs
Tenure as Prime Minister of India
Event
Details
First Term
May 27, 1964 – June 9, 1964 (Following the death of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru)
Second Term
January 11, 1966 – January 24, 1966 (Following the death of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri)
Key Achievements
Labor Reforms: Played a pivotal role in organizing the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and served as its President.
Economic Planning: As Vice-Chairman of the Planning Commission, he contributed significantly to India’s Five-Year Plans.
Housing and Welfare: Advocated for labor welfare and housing reforms as Chairman of the Bombay Housing Board.
International Representation: Represented India at various international forums, including the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Personal Life and Legacy
Trustee: Kasturba Memorial Trust
Secretary: Hindustan Mazdoor Sevak Sangh
Philosophy: A staunch Gandhian and socialist, he dedicated his life to public service and the welfare of laborers.
