Page 40 - NIS English 1-15 July, 2026

PERSONALITY | Gulzari Lal Nanda

Steering the Nation

Through Storms

The great statesman, educationist, and economist
Gulzari Lal Nanda was the only person to serve as
India’s acting prime minister on two separate occasions.
He took charge of the nation during challenging
times when the sitting prime minister passed away
unexpectedly. Known for his simplicity and unwavering
commitment to national service, Nanda was honoured
with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in
1997. His vision for the country’s development and the
upliftment of weaker sections of society continues to
inspire the nation even today.

Birth: July 4, 1898 | Death: January 15, 1998

n outstanding exemplar of principled politics, fully introduced the Labour Disputes Bill in the state
Gulzari Lal Nanda led the nation on two occa- assembly. After independence, he became active in na-
Asions as acting prime minister, yet he never tional politics and held various positions. He served as
sought the privileges or comforts that often accompa- the Union Minister for Labour and Employment in 1962
ny high office. A dedicated freedom fighter, he endured and 1963 and as the Home Minister from 1963 to 1966.
imprisonment during India’s struggle for independence Following the death of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, he was
and remained a steadfast advocate for the rights of sworn in as the prime minister of India on May 27, 1964,
workers throughout his life. Despite occupying some of serving as the acting prime minister for 13 days. After
the highest positions in government, he chose a life of the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent, he was
remarkable simplicity and humility. sworn in as prime minister again on January 11, 1966,
Though deeply engaged in public life, he remained and served as the acting prime minister for another
untouched by the temptations of power and never 13 days. In his later years, he retired from politics and
compromised his integrity or ideals. Renowned for his dedicated his life to social welfare. He was also a fine
modest lifestyle, he is believed to have spent his entire writer; he fulfilled his role as an author admirably and
life living in rented accommodation, even after holding authored several books. He passed away on January 15,
several of the country’s most prestigious offices. 1998, at the approximate age of 100. It was his last wish
Born on July 4, 1898, in Sialkot, Punjab, Gulzari Lal that his ashes remain in Kurukshetra. In accordance
Nanda received his education in Lahore, Agra, and Alla- with his wishes, his ashes were placed at the Gulzarilal
habad. He was imprisoned in 1932 for his participation Nanda Memorial following his death. The foundation
in the country’s freedom struggle. He was subsequently stone of the Gulzarilal Nanda Memorial was laid on July
imprisoned again from 1942 to 1944. In 1937, he was 4, 1999, by the then prime minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee,
elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly and served under the supervision of the Kurukshetra Development
as a parliamentary secretary in the Bombay govern- Board. Union Home Minister L.K. Advani and Minister of
ment from 1937 to 1939. Later, as the labour minister Human Resource Development Dr Murli Manohar Joshi
of the Bombay government (1946–1950), he success- were also present on the occasion.

38 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || July 1-15, 2026