Ideals of Bharat Ratna Gulzarilal Nanda: Special on His Jayanti 2025

Gulzarilal Nanda (1889-1998), Bharat Ratna awardee Indian politician who twice served briefly as interim prime minister, in 1964 following the death of Jawaharlal Nehru and in 1966 upon the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri was a thorough Gandhian and subscribed socialist philosophy.

On his Jayanti 2025, Kurukshetra University released the Gulzarilal Nanda Centre table calendar highlighting his role in the development of Kurukshetra into divine place for cultural tourism was fondly remembered for his ideals. Upender Singhal of Kurukshetra Development Board recalled the key role played by Nanda for the protection and promotion of the religious pilgrimage in Kurukshetra.

Kurukshetra University houses the Gulzarilal Nanda Centre of Ethics, Philosophy, Museum and Library at Kurukshetra University dedicated to Nanda's memory and contributions to the development of Kurukshetra.

According to an AI Overview, Gulzarilal Nanda's ideals revolved around simplicity, integrity, and a strong sense of social justice. He was known for his austere lifestyle, even in high political office, and his commitment to ethical governance. "He strongly opposed corruption and wasteful spending, both within the government and among the public. Furthermore, he believed in democratic principles and was a vocal critic of the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi," adds the overview.

His ideals are described through the following haiku.

Simplicity

Ideal's, live simple, think high

Yearn for a tranquil peaceful life

Less's surely more

Minimalism

Be bare minimal

Limit needs to just a few

for unmatched legacy

Austerity

No worldly cravings

Live life by 'needonomics'

Nothing is cost free!

Integrity

Be just and be fair

Honesty is the best policy

No 'greedonomics'

Note: Kurukshetra based spiritual economist Professor MM Goel uses the coined terms :needonomics' and 'greedonomics'