President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha, according to a Gazette notification dated July 12, 2025. The new nominees are eminent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, former diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, historian Dr. Meenakshi Jain, and Kerala-based teacher and social worker C. Sadanandan Master. These appointments come in place of retiring nominated members.
The nominations have been made under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to nominate persons with exceptional knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service.
Ujjwal Nikam is a renowned public prosecutor, best known for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror trial and numerous other high-profile cases. He recently contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North Central but was unsuccessful. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him, applauding his commitment to justice and constitutional values.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla has had a distinguished diplomatic career, having served as India’s Foreign Secretary and as Ambassador to the United States, Bangladesh, and Thailand. He also served as the Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. PM Modi praised his deep expertise in foreign affairs and his contribution to diplomacy.
C. Sadanandan Master, a veteran educator and social worker from Kerala, is known for his decades of service and resilience—having survived a violent attack in 1994. The Prime Minister lauded his courage and efforts in youth empowerment and grassroots service.
Dr. Meenakshi Jain, a respected historian and academic, has contributed significantly to Indian historical scholarship. Her academic work has influenced national discourse, and PM Modi commended her role in enriching the study of Indian history.
These nominations are expected to bring valuable expertise to Parliamentary debates and policymaking through their diverse backgrounds and accomplishments.