New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has nominated for eminent figures from different fields to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80 on Sunday.
Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master and historian Meenakshi Jain have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four eminent figures to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80:
1. Ujjwal Deorao Nikam – veteran public prosecutor of high‑profile cases⁰2. C. Sadanandan Master – Kerala social worker and educationist⁰3. Harsh Vardhan Shringla – former…
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Who are newly nominated members?
Harsh Vardhan Shringla
Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a career diplomat and former Foreign Secretary of India, brings with him decades of international experience.
Having served as the Indian Ambassador to the United States, Thailand, and Bangladesh, Shringla played a critical role in shaping India’s foreign policy during some of its most pivotal moments.
Tenure: Foreign Secretary (2020–2022)
Diplomatic Roles: Ambassador to the U.S., High Commissioner to Bangladesh
Major Contributions: Strengthening Indo-U.S. ties, overseeing India’s G20 Presidency preparation
Post-Retirement Role: Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency
His nomination underscores the government’s emphasis on leveraging diplomatic expertise in parliamentary deliberations, especially amidst growing global geopolitical complexity.
Ujjwal Nikam
Ujjwal Nikam is one of India’s most well-known public prosecutors, with a storied career spanning high-profile terrorism and criminal cases. Best known for securing convictions in cases such as the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Pramod Mahajan murder trial, Nikam has played a crucial role in strengthening the nation’s fight against terrorism.
Notable Cases: 1993 Bombay blasts, 26/11 Mumbai attacks, 2006 Mumbai train blasts
Awards: Padma Shri (2016)
Expertise: Criminal law, anti-terror legislation, prosecution strategy
Public Reputation: Lauded for legal acumen and public service commitment
His nomination to the Rajya Sabha signals a deep appreciation for his legal brilliance and unwavering dedication to national security and justice.
Meenakshi Jain
A renowned historian and academic, Meenakshi Jain has made impactful contributions to the understanding of India’s civilizational heritage. With research spanning ancient Indian polity, religious traditions, and social movements, she has authored several books that challenge colonial and Marxist historiographical frameworks.
Academic Credentials: Former Associate Professor of History, Gargi College, Delhi University
Notable Works:
Rama and Ayodhya
Sati: Evangelicals, Baptist Missionaries, and the Changing Colonial Discourse
Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples
Award: Padma Shri (2020)
Contribution: Revival of traditional Indian historiography
Her appointment highlights the importance of academic rigor in national discourse and policy, particularly in matters of education, culture, and history.
Sadanandan Master
Sadanandan Master, a grassroots leader and social reformer from Kerala, is celebrated for his lifelong commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities. A prominent figure in Kerala’s socio-political landscape, he has been instrumental in advancing the rights and welfare of backward and Dalit communities.
Region: Thrissur, Kerala
Background: Former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker, social activist
Focus Areas: Dalit empowerment, education, rural development
Public Persona: Revered for resilience and advocacy, especially after surviving a brutal physical attack by political opponents in 1994
Sadanandan Master’s nomination is seen as a recognition of his enduring struggle for social equity and inclusivity in India’s most literate state.