Gopalkrishna Gandhi was born in New Delhi on 22 April 1945.  Completing his Masters in English Literature from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, he joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1968 and served in different capacities in Tamil Nadu.  He was Secretary to the Vice President of India from 1985 to 1987 and Joint Secretary to the President of India from 1987 to 1992. 

Taking voluntary retirement from the IAS in 1992, he took up the position of Minister (Culture) in the High Commission of India, U.K., and Director, The Nehru Centre, London.  He was appointed as High Commissioner for India in South Africa in 1996 and concurrently accredited as High Commissioner for India in Lesotho.  He took up the position of the Secretary to the President of India in 1997.  He was appointed High Commissioner for India in Sri Lanka in 2000 and Ambassador of India in Norway in 2002,  concurrently accredited as the Ambassador of India in Iceland. 

 Shri Gandhi took office as the Governor of West Bengal on 14 December, 2004.

           He has authored one novel and one play.  Shri Gandhi and Smt. Tara Gandhi have two married daughters.