President Draupadi Murmu has nominated four prestigious persons for the Rajya Sabha on Saturday, July 12, 2025. These nominated members include eminent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, experienced diplomat Harshvardhan Shringla, well-known historian Dr. Meenakshi Jain and Kerala teacher and social activist C. Sadanandan Master.
According to an official Gazette notification, this enrollment has been done to fill the vacant seats due to retirement of pre -nominated members. The President has approved these names using its powers found in Article 80 (1) (A) of the Constitution. This article gives the President the right to nominate the President in the Rajya Sabha as special knowledge or practical experience in areas like literature, science, art and social service.
Ujjwal Nikam: Famous lawyer in favor of justice
Ujjwal Nikam is one of the most prominent public prosecutors in India. He is famous for his role as a special public prosecutor in several high-profile criminal cases including 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. In the 2024 general elections, the BJP nominated him from the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha constituency, although he lost to Congress candidate Varsha Gaikwad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nikam and said, ‘Shri Ujjwal Nikam’s legal field and dedication to our Constitution is exemplary. He has always worked to strengthen constitutional values and ensure respectful behavior with ordinary citizens. It is a matter of pleasure that the President of India nominated him to the Rajya Sabha.
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Harshvardhan Shringla: experienced diplomat and strategic thinker
Former Foreign Secretary Harshvardhan Shringla has served several important diplomatic positions in the United States, Bangladesh and Thailand, including ambassadors. He also played an important role in 2023 as the Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 chairmanship.
Congratulating Shringla, Prime Minister Modi said, ‘Shri Harshvardhan Shringla ji has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. He has contributed significantly to India’s foreign policy. I am glad that he is nominated by the President to the Rajya Sabha. His unique approaches will further enrich parliamentary proceedings. ‘
C. Sadanandan Master: Courage and Social Service
C. Sadanandan Master of Kerala is a senior teacher and social worker who has been associated with BJP for a long time. He contested the 2021 Kerala assembly elections. He is also known for escaping a cruel political violence in 1994, when he was attacked and both his legs were cut.
Prime Minister Modi posted on X and congratulated Sadanandan Master, ‘The life of Shri C. Sadanandan Master is a symbol of courage and a sense of not bending in front of injustice. Violence and threats could not deepen his spirit towards national development. His efforts as a teacher and social worker are also commendable.
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Dr. Meenakshi Jain: Famous scholar of education and history
The list also includes the name of famous historian and former Associate Professor of History at Gargi College, Delhi University. His works in the field of Indian history and his contribution to the education world has been widely recognized.
The Prime Minister said, ‘It is a matter of great pleasure that Dr. Meenakshi Jain has been nominated by the President for the Rajya Sabha. He has created his unique identity as a scholar, researcher and historian. His works in the fields of education, literature, history and political science have greatly enriched academic discourse.