Harsh Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam Among Four Nominated to Rajya Sabha

In a significant move, the President of India has nominated four eminent individuals to the Rajya Sabha - former diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, renowned prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, historian Meenakshi Jain, and social worker and teacher C. Sadanandan Master. The announcement was made through a Gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday, July 12.

The four appointees come from diverse professional backgrounds including foreign affairs, law, academia, and grassroots social service.

Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who has represented India as ambassador and high commissioner in key postings, is among the country’s most respected diplomats. He also played a critical role during India’s G20 Presidency, contributing significantly to global policy dialogues and strategic partnerships.

Lauding Shringla’s appointment,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X:

"Harsh Vardhan Shringla Ji has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. Over the years, he’s made key contributions to India’s foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 Presidency. Glad that he’s been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings."

Also nominated is Ujjwal Nikam, one of India’s most high-profile public prosecutors, best known for successfully leading the prosecution in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. His legal acumen has been instrumental in several landmark verdicts in the country’s judicial history.

Prime Minister Modi praised Nikam’s long-standing commitment

to justice and constitutional values, stating:

"Ujjwal Nikam’s devotion to the legal field and to our Constitution is exemplary. He has not only been a successful lawyer but also been at the forefront of seeking justice in important cases. During his entire legal career, he has always worked to strengthen Constitutional values and ensure common citizens are always treated with dignity. It’s gladdening that the President of India has nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. My best wishes for his Parliamentary innings."

Historian and academic Dr. Meenakshi Jain has also been nominated. A respected figure in the scholarly world, she has authored several influential works in the fields of Indian history, political science, education, and literature, contributing deeply to national academic discourse.

The Prime Minister welcomed her nomination with a message on X

, saying:

"It’s a matter of immense joy that Dr. Meenakshi Jain Ji has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rashtrapati Ji. She has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher and historian. Her work in the fields of education, literature, history and political science have enriched academic discourse significantly. Best wishes for her Parliamentary tenure."

The fourth nominee, C. Sadanandan Master, is a well-known teacher and social worker from Kerala, recognized for his grassroots activism and efforts in youth development. Despite facing threats and violence, he has remained committed to national service and social upliftment.

Highlighting his resilience and dedication,

the Prime Minister wrote

:

"Shri C. Sadanandan Master’s life is the epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice. Violence and intimidation couldn’t deter his spirit towards national development. His efforts as a teacher and social worker are also commendable. He is extremely passionate towards youth empowerment. Congratulations to him for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rashtrapati Ji. Best wishes for his role as MP."

The four nominations bring a blend of administrative, legal, academic, and grassroots perspectives to the Upper House, reflecting the government’s intention to enhance the diversity and expertise of the Rajya Sabha’s nominated members.