New Delhi – In a significant move, President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80 of the Indian Constitution. The newly nominated members include former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, noted criminal lawyer Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, renowned historian Meenakshi Jain, and Kerala-based social worker and educationist C Sadanandan Master.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla (Retd IFS: 1984)
A veteran diplomat, Shringla served as India’s Foreign Secretary from January 2020 to April 2022, where he played a pivotal role in navigating foreign policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. A former Ambassador to the US and High Commissioner to Bangladesh, he was earlier speculated to be the BJP candidate from Darjeeling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Ujjwal Deorao Nikam
Known as one of India’s most fearless public prosecutors, Nikam gained nationwide recognition for handling high-profile cases, including the Ajmal Kasab Mumbai terror attack trial. Though he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai, he now enters Parliament through the President’s nomination.
Meenakshi Jain
A Padma Shri awardee and eminent historian, Meenakshi Jain is celebrated for her works on Ayodhya, Mathura, Sati, and the history of Hindu temples. Her scholarly contributions have played a crucial role in reshaping historical discourse and public understanding of India’s civilizational heritage.
C Sadanandan Master
A revered social worker and educationist from Kerala, C Sadanandan survived a brutal political attack in 1994, when both his legs were amputated. Despite the trauma, he continued his public service and has been a symbol of resilience and grassroots activism in Kerala.
These appointments underscore the government’s intent to bring diverse expertise and inspiring life stories into India’s Upper House. Nominated members are selected for their exceptional contributions in fields like public service, literature, art, science, and social work — as provided under Article 80(1)(a) & (3) of the Constitution.
