Biography of Shri Gulzari Lal Nanda

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

AspectDetails
Date of BirthJuly 4, 1898
Place of BirthSialkot, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
EducationStudied at Lahore, Agra, and Allahabad; Research Scholar at Allahabad University (1920-1921)

Career and Contributions

YearRole/Contribution
1921Professor of Economics at National College, Bombay; Joined the Non-Cooperation Movement
1922-1946Secretary of the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association
1932Imprisoned for Satyagraha
1942-1944Imprisoned again during the Quit India Movement
1937-1939Elected to Bombay Legislative Assembly; Parliamentary Secretary (Labour and Excise), Bombay Government
1946-1950Labour Minister of Bombay Government; Piloted the Labour Disputes Bill
1947Delegate to the International Labour Conference in Geneva; Studied labor conditions in Europe
1950Vice-Chairman of the Planning Commission
1951Union Minister for Planning, Irrigation, and Power
1952Elected to Lok Sabha from Bombay; Reappointed as Minister for Planning, Irrigation, and Power
1955Led Indian Delegation to Plan Consultative Committee in Singapore
1957Elected to Lok Sabha; Union Minister for Labour, Employment, and Planning; Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission
1959Visited Germany, Yugoslavia, and Austria; Attended International Labour Conference in Geneva
1962Re-elected to Lok Sabha from Sabarkantha, Gujarat; Initiated Congress Forum for Socialist Action
1962-1963Union Minister for Labour and Employment
1963-1966Union Minister for Home Affairs

Tenure as Prime Minister of India

EventDetails
First TermMay 27, 1964 – June 9, 1964 (Following the death of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru)
Second TermJanuary 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.
  • Death: January 15, 1998

Leave a comment

Top 10 fastest centuries in World Cup history