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 TrustSecretary: Hindustan Mazdoor Sevak SanghPhilosophy: A staunch Gandhian and socialist, he dedicated his life to public service and the welfare of laborers.Death: January 15, 1998
