President Nominates Ujjwal Nikam, Sadanandan Master, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and Meenakshi Jain to Rajya Sabha

In a significant announcement, President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian Parliament, recognizing their exemplary contributions in the fields of law, social service, diplomacy, and academia. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification confirming the nominations of Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, C. Sadanandan Master, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and Dr. Meenakshi Jain under Article 80 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to nominate up to 12 members to the Rajya Sabha for their contributions to arts, literature, science, and social service.

Ujjwal Deorao Nikam – Legal Luminary from Maharashtra

Eminent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, who hails from Maharashtra, is a prominent figure in India’s legal landscape. He gained national recognition for serving as the government counsel in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, where his effective prosecution played a key role in ensuring justice. Known for his expertise in handling high-profile criminal cases, Nikam has represented the state in numerous terrorism and organized crime trials, establishing his reputation as one of India’s most trusted public prosecutors.

C. Sadanandan Master – Educator and Social Activist from Kerala

C. Sadanandan Master, a dedicated educator and social worker from Kerala, has been nominated in recognition of his long-standing service to education and social causes. A victim of political violence, he lost both his legs in a brutal attack by CPM (Communist Party of India-Marxist) workers nearly three decades ago. Despite the life-altering incident, he continued his activism and public service. In 2016, he contested the Kerala Assembly elections from Kuthuparamba, finishing third. His life and work reflect resilience, dedication, and a commitment to public welfare.

Harsh Vardhan Shringla – Veteran Diplomat and Former Foreign Secretary

Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla brings vast experience in international diplomacy and foreign affairs. Over his illustrious career in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), he has served as India’s Ambassador to the United States, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Shringla played a crucial role as the Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, overseeing India’s global diplomatic engagement during a key period of multilateral leadership. His diplomatic insights and experience are expected to enrich discussions on foreign policy in the Rajya Sabha.

Dr. Meenakshi Jain – Historian, Political Scientist, and Padma Shri Awardee

Dr. Meenakshi Jain is a renowned historian and political scientist, honored with the Padma Shri in 2020 for her contribution to the field of education. She has served as an Associate Professor of History at Gargi College, University of Delhi, and has been a member of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education dedicated to the promotion and coordination of historical research. Dr. Jain is known for her scholarly work on Indian civilization, historical narratives, and cultural studies.

These nominations reflect the President’s commitment to bringing diverse expertise and voices into the Upper House. Each nominee has made lasting contributions in their respective fields, aligning with the constitutional mandate to elevate individuals with outstanding accomplishments to the national legislative platform.

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