Veterans from law, diplomacy, social service, and academia to enrich the Upper House with their expertise
13 July 2025, New Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which empowers the President to nominate members who have excelled in the fields of literature, science, art, and social service.
The four nominated members include renowned public prosecutor Ujjwal Devrao Nikam, former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, well-known social activist and educator from Kerala C. Sadanandan Master, and prominent historian Dr. Meenakshi Jain.
Ujjwal Nikam: The Legal Crusader Against Terrorism and Heinous Crimes
Ujjwal Nikam is widely regarded as one of India’s most successful and prolific public prosecutors. He has represented the state in numerous high-profile criminal cases, earning national recognition for his legal acumen.
Nikam’s most prominent role came during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack trial, where he successfully prosecuted Ajmal Kasab. He also played key roles in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast case, the Preeti Jain murder case, and the Jalgaon sex scandal, among others. To date, he has argued in over 600 criminal cases on behalf of the Maharashtra government.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Diplomatic Strategist with a Global Perspective
A 1984-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Harsh Vardhan Shringla has held several crucial diplomatic positions, including India’s Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He served as Foreign Secretary of India from January 2020 to April 2022, playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s foreign policy during the global COVID-19 crisis. Shringla is known for his sharp diplomatic instincts and deep understanding of international affairs.
Also Read: Indira IVF’s New Clinic in Palanpur to Serve Growing Fertility Needs
Voices from Social Service and Academia Join the Upper House
Veteran social worker and educator C. Sadanandan Master from Kerala has been nominated for his decades-long service to social upliftment and education.
His work in grassroots activism and community empowerment has earned him respect across various sections of society.
Historian Dr. Meenakshi Jain has also been nominated for her significant contributions to historical research and academic scholarship.
Her writings and research work have played a key role in reshaping contemporary discourse around Indian history and culture.
These nominations are expected to bring valuable domain expertise and diverse perspectives to the Rajya Sabha, strengthening informed and inclusive policy debates in the Parliament.
Also Read: Major Shakeup at People Forum of India; All Previous Posts Dissolved
