Shri Gopal Rai Ji born in a farmer family on 10 May, 1975 in village Gobardih (Near Sipah Ibrahimbad bazaar), Police Station Madhuban, District Mau, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his primary education in primary school of his village Gobadih. His Secondary education was from Kisan Laghu Secondary School, Murarpur and Intermediate education from Tarun Inter College, Kunda Kuchai. He gained his graduation degree from Allahabad University and attained his Master’s Degree from Lucknow University.
In the Year 1992 whole nation was under severe crisis due to riots of Mandir Masjid and protests for and against reservation policy. These riots which forced our nation on the verge of division affected Gopal Rai so deeply that he pledged to dedicate rest of his life to work for welfare of the society and unity of the nation.
After completing his graduation, to carry his resolution of working for the nation forward he became an active cadre of All India Students Association (AISA) and to carry forward the work of the organization to all parts of India he reached Lucknow. He started completing his master’s from Lucknow University and during the same time became State General Secretary and National Councilor of the organization. Gopal Rai had to go to jail several times for his participation in the movement ‘Danga Nahi Rozgaar Chahiye, Jeene Ka Adhikaar Chahiye’ which was gaining momentum around the country. With this he also participated in the University elections for the post of President with the slogan “ Chhatra Sangh hai Chhatro ka, Gundo ki Jaagir Nahi”.
Later after some disputes with AISA, to fight for the rights of students he formed “Bhartiya Chhatra Sangh” and became National President of the organization. He fought for the rights of students, actively participated in movements against corrupt students of the University and on 18 January 1999 the same criminal and corrupt elements of the University shot him on his neck. Gopal Rai survived the attack but the bullet got stuck in his spine and his body under his neck got completely paralyzed.
After prolonged treatment at Lucknow Medical College, with his strength and strong will power his health finally improved. Once again on the basis of his strong will power and determination, he continued his efforts to spread the youth movement across the country by associating yourself with the organization “Yuva Bharat” in 2002 to ensure youth participation and justice in the country.
Gopal Rai with nephew of Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh, Professor Jagmohan Singh Ji and other associates started “Teesra Swadhinta Aandolan” from ‘Diwan-E-Aam’ Lal Qila, Delhi on 31 May 2007 and to provide voice to this movement he started Hindi monthly magazine ‘Teesri Swadhinta Swar’. He sat on 15-day hunger strike from 9th August 2009 to 23rd August 2009 under the banner of ‘Teesra Swadhinta Aandolan’ at Sansad Bhawan near Jantar Mantar. He traveled across 15 states of India to spread the slogan of “Shaheedo ka Samman, Bhrashtachar par Lagaam”.
Gopal Rai sat on fast with Shri Anna Hazare on 5th April 2011 to begin the corruption free India and Jan Lokpal Aandolan. Under the leadership of Shri Anna Hazare ji, he played a major role in historical movement that began at Ramlila Maidan on 16th August 2011. On the basis of his love for the country and his strong will power, in the fight against corruption movement along with Shri Arvind Kejriwal Ji and Shri Manish Sisodia Ji sat on a 10 day long fast in Delhi which began on 25th July, 2012. He is founder member of ‘Aam Aadmi Party’, member of PAC and also appointed state-in charge across different states of India. In 2015 Delhi elections, he was chosen as MLA from Babarpur constituency and became cabinet Minister of Delhi. In 2020 he was again chosen as MLA from Babarpur constituency and is currently, under the leadership of Shri Arvind Kejriwal Ji working as Cabinet Minister in the Delhi Government.
Shri Gopal Rai ji, along with his social and political duties, formed ‘Desh Ki Baat Foundation’ on 10 February 2018 at Constitution Club of India to generate thought of patriotism and positive nationalism in students and youth across the nation. “Desh ki Baat foundation” is constantly involved in awareness and training programmes for youth across India.