GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th July: President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution of India. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification confirming their nomination on Saturday, July 12, to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of previously nominated members.
The newly nominated members represent a wide range of excellence in public service, scholarship, and social impact:
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla – A seasoned diplomat and former Foreign Secretary, Shringla has served as India’s Ambassador to the United States, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Most recently, he played a pivotal role as the Chief Coordinator of India’s G20 Presidency, where his diplomatic acumen was widely acknowledged.
- Dr. Meenakshi Jain – A noted historian and academic, Dr. Jain has made substantial contributions to the study of India’s civilizational and religious heritage. Her books, including “Vishwanath Rises and Rises: The Story of Eternal Kashi”, “Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples”, and “The Battle for Rama”, have deepened scholarly engagement with India’s cultural roots.
- Ujjwal Deorao Nikam – One of India’s most prominent public prosecutors, Nikam is widely respected for handling major criminal cases, including the prosecution in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. He is also associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
- C. Sadanandan Master – An educationist and social worker from Kerala’s Thrissur district, Sadanandan Master is known for his grassroots work and resilience. He survived a politically motivated attack in the 1990s and is closely associated with Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, a Kerala-based ideological organization.
The President of India can nominate up to 12 members to the Rajya Sabha, choosing individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of literature, science, art, and social service. These nominations are seen as a move to bring diverse, experienced voices into the Upper House of Parliament and strengthen the quality of debate and policy-making.
