Gulzarilal Nanda was an Indian politician and economist. He was born on July 4, 1898 in Sialkot, Punjab British India. Nanda is best known for his two brief stints as the Acting Prime Minister of India, in 1964 and 1966. He was also the Minister of Home Affairs, External Affairs, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and the second leader of the house in Lok Sabha.

Nanda was the son of Bulaqi Ram Nanda and Ishwari Devi Nada. He grew up in a middle-class family, and received his education at the in Lahore, Amritsar, Agra & Allahabad. He came in contact with Gandhi Ji and was deeply influenced by him. He was married to Lakshmi Nanda and had two sons and a daughter.

In 1920-21, after completing his education, he did a research on Labour problems at Allahabad University. He was a professor of economics at National College in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1921. He also joined Non-Cooperation Movement and Satyagraha and was also imprisoned multiple times. He was one of the “Proud Past Alumni” as regarded by “Allahabad University Alumni Association”.

Nanda was a member of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's parliament, and served as Union Minister for Labour, Employment, and Planning. He was re-elected to the Lok Sabha several times, and initiated the Congress Forum for Socialist Action in 1962. In 1971, he resigned from the Congress party due to political disagreements. Nanda was known for being a principled man.

In 1964, following the death of Prime Minister Nehru, Nanda was appointed as the Acting Prime Minister of India. He served in this role for a brief period, before being succeeded by Lal Bahadur Shastri. In 1966, following the sudden death of Shastri, Nanda was once again appointed as the Acting Prime Minister.

Nanda lived a simple life, with no personal property, and was devoted to his family. He was concerned about corruption in India and opposed Indira Gandhi's Emergency. He believed that the sacrifices made to bring democracy to the country were being undermined by tyranny. Nanda suggested reducing wasteful consumption by officials and the general public in order to combat corruption.

In conclusion, Gulzarilal Nanda was a prominent and influential figure in Indian politics and economics. His two brief stints as the Acting Prime Minister of India, and his contributions to the formulation of key economic policies, make him a respected and admired figure in Indian history. His dedication to the Indian independence movement and his commitment to public service continue to be celebrated and remembered.