Recognising exemplary contributions in public service, law, diplomacy, and scholarship, President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha. The nominees, former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, veteran public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala-based educator and activist C. Sadanandan Master, and noted historian Dr. Meenakshi Jain, were announced in a Gazette notification on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
These nominations fill vacancies created by the retirement of previously nominated members, as per the President’s constitutional authority under Article 80(1)(a) and clause (3) to nominate up to 12 individuals with eminence in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.
The announcement has been met with widespread acclaim, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating the nominees via posts on X, praising their contributions and wishing them success in their parliamentary roles.
Below is a detailed profile of each nominee, highlighting their remarkable achievements and contributions to Indian society.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: A seasoned diplomat with global impact
Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a distinguished diplomat, brings a wealth of experience in international relations to the Rajya Sabha. Serving as India’s Foreign Secretary from January 2020 to April 2022, Shringla played a pivotal role in navigating India’s foreign policy during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His diplomatic career spans several high-profile postings, including Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and Ambassador to Thailand.
One of Shringla’s most notable contributions was his role as Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, where he orchestrated a globally lauded summit that showcased India’s leadership on the world stage.
His nomination to the Rajya Sabha is seen as a strategic move to bring a global perspective to parliamentary discussions. With his deep understanding of international relations, trade, and security, Shringla is expected to contribute significantly to debates on foreign policy, economic diplomacy, and India’s role in global governance.
His presence in the Upper House will likely strengthen India’s legislative approach to international affairs, particularly in an era of increasing geopolitical complexity.
At 63, Shringla’s nomination shows his continued influence in shaping India’s foreign policy narrative.
Ujjwal Deorao Nikam: A legal luminary in fight against terrorism
Ujjwal Nikam, aged 72, is a towering figure in India’s legal landscape, renowned for his relentless pursuit of justice in high-profile terrorism and criminal cases.
As a Special Public Prosecutor, Nikam led the prosecution in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack trial, securing the conviction of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist. His meticulous preparation and courtroom prowess were instrumental in ensuring justice for the victims of the 2008 attacks, which claimed 166 lives and injured over 600.
Nikam’s legal career spans decades, during which he has handled several other high-stakes cases. He served as government counsel in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, a series of coordinated attacks that killed 257 people and injured over 700. His ability to navigate complex legal challenges in terrorism cases earned him respect as a formidable prosecutor.
Beyond terrorism, Nikam was involved in prosecuting the murders of music mogul Gulshan Kumar and BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, cases that drew significant public and media attention due to their high-profile nature.
Nikam’s contributions to the Indian legal system earned him the Padma Shri in 2016.
A prominent figure in Mumbai’s legal circles, he was fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a candidate for the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 General Elections, though he was defeated by Congress’s Varsha Gaikwad.
Nikam’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha is seen as a recognition of his decades-long commitment to upholding justice and combating terrorism, bringing a strong legal perspective to parliamentary deliberations.
C. Sadanandan Master: A symbol of resilience and grassroots service
C. Sadanandan Master, a BJP veteran from Kerala’s Kannur district, is a living testament to courage and perseverance. Known within the BJP as a “living martyr,” Master survived a brutal attack by suspected Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] workers on January 25, 1994, at the age of 30. The assault, attributed to his shift from communist ideology to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), resulted in the loss of both his legs.
Despite this life-altering tragedy, Master underwent emergency medical care, learned to walk with prosthetic legs, and emerged as a prominent RSS activist and advocate for social upliftment.
A teacher by profession, Master has spent decades working in rural education and community development in Kerala, particularly in the politically volatile Kannur region. His activism extends beyond the classroom, as he has tirelessly campaigned for the rights of families affected by political violence. Master’s personal experience as a survivor of ideological violence has made him a poignant symbol of resistance against extremism. He has toured Kannur, meeting families of BJP and RSS members who faced threats or violence, using his story to highlight the human cost of political conflicts.
In 2016, Master contested the Kerala Assembly elections from the Koothuparamba constituency, a region notorious for its history of political violence. Though he finished third, his candidacy underscored his determination to challenge the status quo and advocate for change. His nomination to the Rajya Sabha is a recognition of his grassroots service and his ability to transform personal tragedy into a platform for social good.
Though he finished third, Master’s campaigns across Kannur, supporting families affected by political violence, have made him a powerful voice against ideological extremism. His nomination to the Rajya Sabha is a tribute to his indomitable spirit and grassroots service, offering a unique perspective on social justice and regional challenges.
Dr. Meenakshi Jain: A historian redefining Indian narratives
Dr. Meenakshi Jain, a distinguished historian and former Associate Professor of History at Gargi College, University of Delhi, is celebrated for her scholarly contributions to Indian history and culture.
Her academic work, rooted in indigenous perspectives, challenges dominant (Western) historical narratives and focuses on cultural and religious developments in medieval and early modern India.
Jain’s deeply researched books, including Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples (2019), The Battle for Rama: Case of the Temple at Ayodhya (2017), Sati: Evangelicals, Baptist Missionaries and the Changing Colonial Discourse (2016), Rama and Ayodhya (2013), and Parallel Pathways: Essays on Hindu–Muslim Relations (1707–1857) (2010), have addressed critical issues of national importance.
In 2020, Jain was honoured with the Padma Shri for her contributions to education and historical research. She also served as a member of the Indian Council of Historical Research, where she influenced the direction of historical studies in India.
Her nomination to the Rajya Sabha is viewed as a step toward recognising Indian scholarship that emphasises cultural continuity and historical accuracy. At 67, Jain is expected to bring intellectual rigour and historical insight to parliamentary discussions on culture, education, and heritage.
A strategic move to strengthen the Rajya Sabha
The nomination of these four individuals reflects a deliberate effort to diversify the Upper House with expertise from diplomacy, law, grassroots activism, and academia.
The President’s constitutional prerogative to nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha ensures that eminent personalities from varied fields contribute to legislative discourse. With four seats vacant due to retirements, these appointments are timely and strategic, addressing key areas of national interest.
Prime Minister Modi’s congratulatory messages on X highlighted the nominees’ exemplary contributions. He described Shringla as a “seasoned diplomat with a deep understanding of global affairs,” Nikam as a “legal stalwart whose work has strengthened India’s fight against terrorism,” Master as an “inspiration whose resilience embodies the spirit of service,” and Jain as a “scholar whose works have enriched India’s historical narrative.”
Modi expressed confidence that their “parliamentary innings” would enhance the Rajya Sabha’s deliberations.
The nomination of Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, C. Sadanandan Master, and Dr. Meenakshi Jain to the Rajya Sabha marks a significant moment in India’s parliamentary history. Each nominee brings a unique perspective, grounded in decades of service, sacrifice, and scholarship.
As they assume their roles in the Upper House, their contributions are expected to shape legislative debates and policy-making, reflecting the diverse strengths of India’s public life.
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