Lucknow, 3 July : Gulzarilal Nanda, one of India’s most respected and selfless leaders, devoted his entire life to nation-building, with a deep commitment to labour welfare, economic planning, and public service. Twice he held the office of the Prime Minister of India, albeit in an interim capacity, and his contributions to Indian politics and social reform were enduring and far-reaching.

Early Life and Education-

Gulzarilal Nanda was born in Sialkot (then in undivided India) on July 4, 1898. He pursued higher education in Lahore, Agra, and Allahabad. His academic journey laid a strong foundation for his future career, especially in the fields of economics and labour relations. Between 1920 and 1921, he worked as a research scholar at the University of Allahabad, focusing on labour issues, and later became Professor of Economics at the National College, Bombay, in 1921.

Freedom Struggle and Trade Union Leadership-

Nanda joined Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921, reflecting his early commitment to the nation’s freedom. In 1922, he became the Secretary of the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association, a position he held for over two decades until 1946. His work with labourers laid the groundwork for his lifelong advocacy for workers’ rights.

A dedicated freedom fighter, Nanda was imprisoned during the Satyagraha movement in 1932 and again during the Quit India Movement from 1942 to 1944.

Political Journey and Labour Reforms-

Elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly in 1937, Nanda served as Parliamentary Secretary for Labour and Excise and later, from 1946 to 1950, as the Labour Minister of Bombay. During his tenure, he successfully introduced the Labour Disputes Bill in the State Assembly, showcasing his deep commitment to improving workers’ conditions.

He held key positions such as:
• Secretary, Hindustan Mazdoor Sevak Sangh
• Chairman, Bombay Housing Board
• Trustee, Kasturba Memorial Trust
• Member, National Planning Committee

As a pioneer in the trade union movement, he played a major role in organizing the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and eventually became its President.

International Engagement and Planning Commission -

In 1947, as part of India’s delegation to the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Nanda contributed significantly to global labour discourse. He served on the “Freedom of Association Committee” and visited several European countries to study their labour and housing systems.

He joined the Planning Commission as Vice-Chairman in March 1950 and later became Union Planning Minister in 1951, also handling the portfolios of Irrigation and Power. Nanda was elected to the Lok Sabha from Bombay in 1952 and re-appointed to the same ministries.

He represented India at numerous international conferences, including:
• Plan Consultative Committee (Singapore, 1955)
• International Labour Conference (Geneva, 1959)

Roles in the Union Government-

In the following years, Nanda continued to rise in national leadership:
• Union Minister for Labour and Employment & Planning (1957 onward)
• Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission
• Union Minister for Labour and Employment (1962–63)
• Minister for Home Affairs (1963–66)

He initiated the Congress Forum for Socialist Action in 1962, emphasizing the need for socially-oriented development within the Congress party’s framework.

Prime Ministership (Twice) -

Following the death of Jawaharlal Nehru in May 1964, Gulzarilal Nanda was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister of India on May 27, 1964. He served in this capacity until Lal Bahadur Shastri took over.

Again, upon the sudden demise of Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, Nanda stepped in as the interim Prime Minister for the second time.

Though his tenure as Prime Minister was brief both times, his leadership provided stability to the nation during moments of uncertainty.

Legacy and Recognition-

Gulzarilal Nanda’s political life was marked by humility, integrity, and a commitment to Gandhian ideals. He lived a simple life and remained detached from the lure of power and privilege.

In recognition of his lifelong service to the nation, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, posthumously in 1997.

Gulzarilal Nanda remains an unsung hero of Indian democracy — a man who rose from humble beginnings to hold the highest office in the land, not once but twice, and yet remained rooted in simplicity and service. His legacy continues to inspire generations of leaders, economists, and labour rights activists.