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Legal luminary Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala’s resilient BJP leader Sadanandan Master, seasoned diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and acclaimed historian Meenakshi Jain honoured with Upper House seats, A Thoughtful Blend of Expertise and Integrity.

Thenewsdose.com

New Delhi, July 13

In a move celebrating distinguished service across diverse fields, President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday nominated four eminent Indians to the Rajya Sabha. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the formal notification under Article 80 of the Constitution, announcing the names of celebrated lawyer Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C. Sadanandan Master, former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and historian Dr. Meenakshi Jain.

This fresh round of nominations fills vacancies caused by the retirement of previously nominated members, as per the official communique.

Ujjwal Nikam: The Nation’s Voice in Justice

Ujjwal Nikam, one of India’s most high-profile public prosecutors, is renowned for securing convictions in some of the country’s most complex and sensitive criminal cases. His legal acumen shone particularly bright during the trial of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where his prosecution led to the death sentence for the Pakistani national.

Nikam has been instrumental in cases such as the 1993 Bombay serial blasts, the murder of music baron Gulshan Kumar, the Marine Drive rape case, the assassination of politician Pramod Mahajan, and many more. Known for his firm stand on capital punishment, Nikam often underscores his belief that “only the corrigible can be reformed.”

In 2024, the BJP fielded him from the Mumbai North Central parliamentary seat, replacing two-time MP Poonam Mahajan. Though unsuccessful in that electoral battle, Nikam’s commitment to justice and national security earned him wide admiration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Nikam as a tireless advocate of constitutional values:“He has always worked to ensure that justice is not just done, but seen to be done, particularly for the common citizen.”

Sadanandan Master: Symbol of Courage Against Political Violence

C. Sadanandan Master, a long-time RSS functionary and BJP leader from Kerala, embodies resilience in the face of brutal ideological violence. In 1994, Master lost both legs in a gruesome attack by CPM-affiliated SFI cadres in Kannur’s politically volatile Mattanur region. His story—of survival, activism, and unwavering belief in democratic politics—has since become emblematic of BJP’s rise in the Left-dominated state.

Despite contesting and losing from the Koothuparambu Assembly constituency, he remained a powerful grassroots voice and a passionate advocate for education and youth empowerment. PM Modi hailed his nomination as a tribute to “an indomitable spirit who refused to bow to injustice.” Violence and intimidation couldn’t deter his commitment to national development,” the Prime Minister said.

Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Diplomacy’s Steady Hand Enters Parliament

Veteran diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla brings a wealth of experience in international affairs to the Rajya Sabha. A 1984-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Shringla has served as India’s Foreign Secretary, Chief Coordinator for the G20 Presidency in 2023, and Ambassador to key global capitals including the United States, Thailand, and High Commissioner to Bangladesh. On his nomination, Shringla expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu, stating that he has “always wanted to serve the country, even after retirement.” PM Modi commended him as “an intellectual, a strategic thinker, and a diplomat who has made key contributions to India’s foreign policy, His perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary discussions,” the PM added.

Meenakshi Jain: Chronicler of India’s Civilizational Legacy

Dr. Meenakshi Jain is a respected historian and academic whose scholarly work has reshaped public discourse on India’s medieval and colonial history. A Padma Shri awardee in 2020, Jain has taught history at Delhi University’s Gargi College, served as a Fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, and is currently a Senior Fellow at the Indian Council of Social Science Research.

Her critically acclaimed works—such as Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples, The Battle for Rama, Sati: Evangelicals and Colonial Discourse, and Parallel Pathways—offer deeply researched insights into India’s socio-religious heritage and national identity.Recognizing her influence, Prime Minister Modi remarked: “Her contributions in history, literature, and education have significantly enriched academic discourse in India.”

This latest round of Rajya Sabha nominations reflects the government’s focus on bringing diverse and meritorious voices into the legislative process. From courtroom battles to classrooms, from diplomatic corridors to ideological trenches, each of the four appointees has demonstrated commitment to public service, national integrity, and institutional excellence.

As the Upper House prepares for upcoming debates and legislation, these nominees are expected to infuse it with fresh insights, lived experiences, and a deep-rooted connection to India’s evolving democratic ethos.