In a significant political and academic development, President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four eminent personalities to the Rajya Sabha — Ujjwal Nikam, C. Sadanandan Master, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and Dr. Meenakshi Jain. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the official notification on Sunday, exercising powers granted under Article 80 of the Indian Constitution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the nominations and described the appointees as outstanding individuals who have served the nation with excellence and integrity in their respective fields.
Ujjwal Nikam: The Voice of Justice in the Courtroom
Ujjwal Nikam, one of India’s most respected criminal lawyers, is known for his relentless pursuit of justice. He famously secured the death penalty for 26/11 Mumbai terror attacker Ajmal Kasab and has prosecuted in several landmark cases, including the 1993 Bombay blasts, Gulshan Kumar’s murder, and the Pramod Mahajan case.
Although he unsuccessfully contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North Central, his legal acumen and deep commitment to constitutional values continue to inspire. PM Modi said, “Ujjwal Nikam’s devotion to the legal field and Constitution is exemplary. He has always worked to ensure that justice prevails and that citizens are treated with dignity.”
C. Sadanandan Master: Symbol of Resilience and Social Empowerment
C. Sadanandan Master, a senior BJP leader from Kerala and RSS functionary, embodies courage and perseverance. In 1994, he survived a brutal political attack by SFI cadres that left him permanently disabled. Despite this, he became a powerful voice for justice and political change in Kannur, Kerala.
Hailed as a dedicated teacher and social worker, Sadanandan Master contested from Koothuparambu in 2016 and continues to influence Kerala’s political landscape. Prime Minister Modi applauded his indomitable spirit: “Violence and intimidation couldn’t deter his resolve. His efforts in youth empowerment and national development are truly commendable.”
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: A Diplomat Par Excellence
Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a former Foreign Secretary of India, has had an illustrious diplomatic career. He served as India’s Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and Ambassador to Thailand. Most recently, he played a pivotal role as Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023.
PM Modi described him as “an excellent diplomat, intellectual, and strategic thinker whose insights will greatly enrich Rajya Sabha proceedings.”
Dr. Meenakshi Jain: Chronicler of India’s Historical Legacy
Dr. Meenakshi Jain, a distinguished historian and author, has extensively researched India’s cultural, religious, and political history. A former Associate Professor at Gargi College, Delhi University, she is the author of several critically acclaimed books such as Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples, The Battle for Rama, and Sati: Evangelicals, Baptist Missionaries and the Changing Colonial Discourse.
In 2020, she was honored with the Padma Shri for her contributions to literature and education. Prime Minister Modi praised her impact on academic discourse: “Her work in education, history, and political science has enriched India’s intellectual fabric.”
A Blend of Experience and Excellence Enters the Upper House
The nomination of these four stalwarts reflects a conscious effort to bring diverse expertise into Parliament — from law and diplomacy to history and grassroots politics. Their inclusion is expected to strengthen policy discussions and offer nuanced perspectives on national issues.
As India continues to shape its future with renewed vigor and vision, voices like Nikam, Sadanandan Master, Shringla, and Meenakshi Jain will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping informed legislative debates in the Rajya Sabha.
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