N. Gopalaswami, Civil Servant
Civil Servant

N. Gopalaswami

Born 21 April 1944 · verify

Serving as the 15th Chief Election Commissioner of India from 2006 to 2009.

N. Gopalaswami, served as 15th Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) and has been awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2015. He is a 1966 batch Indian Administrative Services officer belonging to the Gujarat cadre. He took over the charge of CEC on 30 June 2006 and retired in April 2009.

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A detail that
surprised us

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In 2009, as Chief Election Commissioner, N. Gopalaswami formally recommended the removal of his fellow Election Commissioner Navin Chawla for alleged partisan behavior, a rare and controversial act in India's election history.

The Story

1
In 1966, N. Gopalaswami joined the Indian Administrative Service, assigned to Gujarat cadre, beginning a career that spanned over four decades in key administrative roles.
2
🎓 He earned a gold medal in Chemistry from Delhi University and later a diploma in Urban Development Planning from the University of London, blending science with governance.
3From 1967 to 1992, he managed crucial posts in Gujarat, including district magistrate in Kutch and Kheda, and municipal commissioner of Surat, directly shaping urban and rural administration.
4🏛️ Between 1992 and 2004, he served the Government of India in roles such as Union Home Secretary and Secretary of Culture, navigating complex national security and cultural policies.

🏅 Awards & Honours

2015
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 2009, Gopalaswami recommended the removal of Election Commissioner Navin Chawla to the President, accusing him of partisan conduct and leaking confidential information, an unprecedented move highlighting internal Election Commission tensions.

🖼️

Through the Years

5 photographs from the archives
N. Gopalaswami taking over as the Election Commissioner in New Delhi on February 8, 2004.
N. Gopalaswami taking over as the Election Commissioner in New Delhi on February 8, 2004.
2004
N. Gopalaswami assuming charge as Chief Election Commissioner in New Delhi on June 30, 2006.
N. Gopalaswami, former Chief Election Commissioner of India.
N. Gopalaswami holding a meeting on forthcoming General Elections in New Delhi on February 3, 2009.
N. Gopalaswami inaugurating a voter awareness exhibition in Chennai as part of SVEEP campaign in 2014.

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Needamangalam, Tamil Nadu
N. Gopalaswami was born in Needamangalam, Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, setting roots in southern India.
1944
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Career
Joined Indian Administrative Service
Entered IAS as part of the 1966 batch, Gujarat cadre, starting his administrative career.
1966
⚡
Career
Joined Government of India service
Moved to central government roles including Secretary posts and Union Home Secretary.
1992
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Career
Became Chief Election Commissioner
Appointed as India’s 15th Chief Election Commissioner, overseeing general elections until 2009.
2006
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Career
Recommended removal of Election Commissioner
Sent recommendation to President for removal of Navin Chawla citing partisan behavior during his CEC tenure.
2009
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Career
Appointed Chairman of Kalakshetra
Took charge as Chairman of Kalakshetra, a premier cultural institution, for a five-year term.
2014
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Career
Became Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha
Assumed chancellorship of this deemed Sanskrit university for a five-year term, promoting classical studies.
2015
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Gopalaswami was a gold medalist in Chemistry from Delhi University before entering the IAS in 1966, showing a rare transition from science to high-level administration.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He was appointed Chairman of Kalakshetra in 2014 for a five-year term, an institution dedicated to the preservation of Indian classical dance and music, blending administrative expertise with cultural stewardship.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Before becoming CEC, Gopalaswami served as Union Home Secretary and Secretary of the Department of Culture, overseeing sensitive portfolios including internal security and cultural affairs.

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🌱 What changed because of them

N. Gopalaswami's tenure as Chief Election Commissioner marked one of the few times an internal challenge to an Election Commissioner was formally made, highlighting concerns about impartiality in election administration. His leadership extended beyond bureaucracy into education and culture, notably steering the Vivekananda Educational Society and Kalakshetra, thereby influencing Indian cultural preservation and educational outreach. His career reflected a blend of scientific rigor and administrative governance, impacting electoral integrity debates and institutional leadership in the arts and education sectors.

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