N. Gopalaswami
Born 21 April 1944 · verify
Serving as the 15th Chief Election Commissioner of India from 2006 to 2009.
🔔 Add birthday reminderN. 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.
✨ A detail that surprised us
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.
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.
3. From 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.
5. On 30 June 2006, he took charge as the 15th Chief Election Commissioner of India, overseeing elections during a politically charged period until his retirement in April 2009.
6. ⚖️ In January 2009, he recommended the removal of Election Commissioner Navin Chawla, alleging partisan conduct, a rare and contentious move in the Election Commission's history.
7. After retirement, he became president of Vivekananda Educational Society, influencing education in Chennai and was appointed Chairman of Kalakshetra from 2014 to 2019, supporting Indian arts.
8. ❓ How did Gopalaswami's scientific background influence his administrative decisions and his stringent stance as Chief Election Commissioner during political controversies?
Awards & Honours
- 🏅Padma Bhushan · 2015
🔍 One thing most people don't know
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
📅 The Journey
🗝️ Discoveries
🎥 Speeches & Recordings
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📖 Curated Sources
🌱 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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