Who Is Inder Kumar Gujral? Age, Biography and Wiki
Inder Kumar Gujral was born on December 4, 1919, and left a lasting legacy as the Prime Minister of India from 1997 to 1998. His tenure is noted for the "Gujral Doctrine," a foreign policy approach that promoted good relations with India's neighbors. Even in 2025, his influence on Indian politics and foreign relations continues to be recognized, alongside his contributions to the Indian National Congress and his role as a diplomat.
At the time of his birth, India was under British rule, and over the decades, Gujral witnessed the country's journey towards independence and its subsequent democratic evolution.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 4, 1919 |
| Age | 92 Years |
| Birth Place | Pari Darveza, Punjab Province, British India |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 30 November, 2012 |
| Died Place | Gurugram, Haryana, India |
Popularity
Inder Kumar Gujral's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Inder Kumar Gujral was known for his dignified presence. Although specific details on his height and weight are not broadly documented, he was typically described as maintaining a healthy and formal appearance during his public life.
Gujral was admitted at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon, Haryana (part of the National Capital Region), on 19 November 2012, after being diagnosed with a lung infection. He had had a serious chest infection a few days before being admitted to the hospital following more than a year of dialysis.
His health deteriorated in the hospital and was reported to be "very critical". On 27 November, he fell unconscious and his urine output system stopped working. Gujral died on 30 November 2012, four days before his 93rd birthday. His body lay in state at his official residence, 5 Janpath, until noon the next day.
The Government of India declared a seven-day period of state mourning and cancelled official functions until 6 December. He was given a state funeral at 15:00 on 1 December near Samata Sthal. His death was announced to parliament by Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, following which both houses adjourned.
On 3 December, condolence references were held for him.
Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Gujral remained dedicated to his family and political career. There are no public records of romantic relationships outside of his marriage.
Gujral's hobbies included poetry; he spoke Urdu and was, after his death, eulogised as a lover of the language by Maulana Azad National Urdu University, an institution where he held the position of chancellor. His wife Sheila Gujral, an acclaimed poet, died on 11 July 2011 after an illness.
The couple had two sons, Naresh, who is a Shiromani Akali Dal MP in the Rajya Sabha, and Vishal. The couple also have two granddaughters and a grandson.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific figures regarding Inder Kumar Gujral's net worth are often debated, it is known that as a former Prime Minister and politician, he accrued wealth through various means, including his political tenure and real estate investments. In 2025, his estate and the financial legacy he left for his family continue to be a topic of discussion among historians and political analysts.
Career, Business and Investments
Inder Kumar Gujral’s career spanned several decades in various political roles. Before serving as Prime Minister, he held several important positions, including External Affairs Minister. His contributions were pivotal in shaping India’s foreign policy during crucial global changes.
Post his tenure as Prime Minister, Gujral continued to be involved in various diplomatic missions and international discussions. He authored books and delivered lectures on governance, public policy, and international relations. Investments made during his lifetime, particularly in sectors linked to education and healthcare, remain significant and are often cited as part of his enduring legacy.
Social Network
Inder Kumar Gujral was known for his eloquence and ability to connect with people across various social strata. His engagements on social platforms in the modern era would have likely reflected a commitment to discussing policy and governance. Since his passing, his family and associates have maintained a presence on social media platforms, sharing insights into his life and work.
On 28 August 1997, the Jain Commission report was submitted to the government and was leaked on 16 November.
The commission had inquired into the conspiracy aspects of the Rajiv Gandhi assassination and reportedly criticised the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), amongst others such as the Narasimha Rao government, for tacitly supporting Tamil militants accused in Gandhi's assassination.
The DMK was part of the ruling coalition at the center and had ministers in the Union Cabinet. The Congress first demanded the tabling of the report on the floor of the parliament, which was refused by Gujral, who feared a battle between the DMK and the Tamil Maanila Congress would lead to the DMK's withdrawal from the government.
Gujral later formed a Joint Parliamentary Committee to study the report after informing Sitaram Keshri of the decision, to which Keshri acceded. INC parliamentary party leader Sharad Pawar said they would call for the resignation of anyone implicated in the report.
Gujral convened the government to inform them of the updates and said it supported the DMK. The DMK's Industry Minister Murasoli Maran said: "We are part of the United Front. We will stand and fall together. I am hundred per cent confident of that. If it were so easy to break the United Front, then it will be called the disunited front.
No one is going to ditch their colleagues for a few loaves of power. We have no reason to quit at all. The report is full of recycled news. There is nothing startling about it, everybody already knows what the report is saying. A Madras court is expected to give its verdict on a criminal case on the assassination on January 28.
Let us wait till then to know who was involved in the dastardly act. Until then, all this is disinformation." However, the Tamil Maanila Congress called for the DMK, which was in a coalition government in Tamil Nadu, to share all actions it would undertake. The report was tabled on 20 November 1997.
On the same day there were angry scenes in parliament, as the INC then called for the DMK's removal from the cabinet and refused to partake in any parliamentary debate until that happened. Speaker P.A. Sangma then adjourned the house.
The INC finally withdrew support from his government on 28 November after Gujral sent Kesri a letter saying he would not dismiss any DMK leaders. Gujral resigned following the withdrawal, and sent a letter to President K. R.
Narayanan that read: "My government has lost its majority and does not want to continue in office on moral grounds", but did not call for the dissolution of parliament. The president accepted the resignation, but asked for Gujral to stay on in an interim capacity.
INC General Secretary Oscar Fernandes then said: "All the secular parties are welcome to support a government which will be attempted by the Congress." The United Front's leader Chandrababu Naidu got the support of all the constituents saying they would neither support the INC nor the Bharatiya Janata Party, as did the TMC, saying they would not al
low a "U.P.-like situation to happen in the centre." In similar measure, BJP leader M.
Venkaiah Naidu said the party would "throttle" INC attempts to form a new government. The president then dissolved parliament on 4 December, triggering a snap election.
Education
Gujral’s educational background laid the foundation for his illustrious career. He attended Panjab University, where he developed an interest in politics and public service. His academic pursuits provided him with the knowledge that would enable him to navigate complex political landscapes in India and abroad.
Born in Punjab, he was influenced by nationalistic ideas as a student, and joined the All India Students Federation and the Communist Party of India. He was imprisoned for taking part in the Quit India movement. After independence, he joined the Indian National Congress party in 1964, and became a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
