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Gulzarilal Nanda was born on 4 July 1898 in Sialkot, Punjab (now in Pakistan). He completed his education at the University of Allahabad, earning degrees in Research and Law. Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921. He dedicated much of his early career to labor welfare, organizing the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association alongside Anasuya Sarabhai.
Nanda holds a unique position in Indian political history as the country's only **two-time interim Prime Minister**. He took office for 13 days following the sudden death of Jawaharlal Nehru on 27 May 1964. He stepped up again for another 13 days after the tragic demise of Lal Bahadur Shastri at Tashkent on 11 January 1966. Both times, he guided the nation smoothly through delicate political transitions.
-He was deeply involved in structuring India's early economy, serving as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission during its formative years. In the union cabinet, Nanda held powerful portfolios, including serving as the Union Home Minister from 1963 to 1966 and handling the Ministry of Railways.
Throughout his political career, Nanda was widely admired for his absolute honesty, simple lifestyle, and refusal to accumulate personal wealth. He lived a modest life in a rented house until his passing on 15 January 1998 at the age of 99.
In recognition of his selfless public service and unwavering integrity, Gulzarilal Nanda was awarded India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1997.