New Delhi, July 13, 2025 – In a significant move to strengthen the intellectual and policy making core of the Upper House of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu nominates to Rajya Sabha four distinguished personalities from diverse backgrounds. The nominations highlight the government’s intent to include individuals with proven excellence in public service, law, diplomacy, and historical research.
The newly nominated Rajya Sabha members are:
▪️ Ujjwal Nikam – Celebrated Special Public Prosecutor
▪️ C. Sadanandan Master – Veteran Social Worker from Kerala
▪️ Harsh Vardhan Shringla – Former Foreign Secretary of India
▪️ Dr. Meenakshi Jain – Eminent Historian and Author
These nominations, announced on July 12, 2025, fall under the provisions of Article 80(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which allows the President to nominate up to 12 members to the Rajya Sabha for their expertise in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.
Why These Nominations Matter
The phrase “President Droupadi Murmu nominates to Rajya Sabha” is more than just a constitutional formality it signifies an infusion of domain expertise into the legislative process. With these appointments, the Upper House gains professionals with firsthand experience in shaping India’s social, legal, and foreign policy landscapes.
Let’s take a closer look at the contributions of each nominated personality.
Ujjwal Nikam: India’s Fearless Prosecutor
Ujjwal Nikam, one of India’s most prominent legal minds, is widely known for his prosecution in landmark criminal cases including the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Pramod Mahajan murder case. His appointment reflects the importance of having legal clarity and criminal justice insight in policymaking.
Ujjwal Nikam has served as Special Public Prosecutor in Maharashtra for decades and is known for securing convictions in high-profile terror and criminal cases. His presence in the Rajya Sabha is expected to strengthen legislative debates around criminal law reforms, national security, and judicial efficiency.
C. Sadanandan Master: Voice of the Marginalised
C. Sadanandan Master, a well known social activist from Kerala, has spent over four decades advocating for the rights of the underprivileged. A survivor of a brutal political attack in 1994, he lost both his legs but remained an active voice for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward communities in Kerala and across India.
His work through NGOs and grassroots organizations has impacted rural development, education access, and the rehabilitation of political violence victims. President Droupadi Murmu nominates to Rajya Sabha social crusaders like him to give underrepresented communities a stronger voice in national policymaking.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Diplomat Turned Legislator
A career Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Harsh Vardhan Shringla served as India’s 33rd Foreign Secretary from January 2020 to April 2022. He has been India’s Ambassador to the United States, Thailand, and Bangladesh. Shringla was also India’s Chief Coordinator for the G20 Summit in 2023, a crucial event in India’s diplomatic calendar.
His rich experience in foreign affairs, trade negotiations, and strategic policy will bolster the Rajya Sabha’s discussions on geopolitics, national security, and international economic partnerships. The fact that President Droupadi Murmu nominates to Rajya Sabha a career diplomat like Shringla underlines India’s increasing emphasis on global engagement.
Dr. Meenakshi Jain: Historian of Civilisational Depth
Dr. Meenakshi Jain, a Padma Shri awardee, is an acclaimed historian and former Associate Professor of History at Delhi University. Her work focuses on ancient Indian history, Hindu civilisation, and temple destruction challenging many colonial and leftist narratives.
Jain’s books, such as “Sati: Evangelicals, Baptist Missionaries, and the Changing Colonial Discourse” and “Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples”, have made a strong case for decolonising Indian historiography. President Droupadi Murmu nominates to Rajya Sabha scholars like her to enrich debates on education, cultural heritage, and historical truth in the legislative forum.
Constitutional Provision for Nominated Members
Under Article 80 of the Constitution, the President of India can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha on the advice of the central government. These individuals are chosen for their expertise in literature, science, art, and social service. The idea is to infuse the legislative process with intellectual and professional perspectives that elected representatives may not always offer.
That President Droupadi Murmu nominates to Rajya Sabha figures of such varied excellence demonstrates the importance of blending domain knowledge with democratic decision-making.
Political and Public Reactions
The nominations have received mixed reactions across the political spectrum:
The BJP hailed the appointments, calling them “an endorsement of merit and nationalism.”
The Congress party has so far remained cautious but acknowledged that Ujjwal Nikam’s legal acumen is “undeniable.”
Several social media users welcomed the fact that President Droupadi Murmu nominates to Rajya Sabha individuals who aren’t traditional politicians but experts with ground level and global experience.
Civil society groups in Kerala, in particular, welcomed Sadanandan Master’s nomination as a recognition of resilience in the face of political violence.
Strategic Significance Ahead of Parliamentary Session
This announcement comes ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, slated to begin in the third week of July 2025. With several crucial bills on criminal justice reforms, foreign trade, and education policy expected to be tabled, the timing is strategic.
Having legal, historical, diplomatic, and grassroots voices in the Rajya Sabha may contribute to more holistic debates, which is exactly what the Constitution envisioned when creating space for nominated members.
Broader Vision by President Droupadi Murmu
Since taking office as India’s first tribal woman President, Droupadi Murmu has consistently pushed for inclusive representation, be it in awards, appointments, or policy messaging. That President Droupadi Murmu nominates to Rajya Sabha such a diverse set of individuals again reinforces her vision of creating a people-first, expertise led democracy.
This is also seen as a message to the youth and aspiring public servants: that excellence in one’s domain, not just political loyalty, can pave the path to Parliament.
Conclusion
With these four new nominations, the Rajya Sabha now boasts stronger legal, diplomatic, historical, and social perspectives vital for tackling the complex challenges India faces today. The fact that President Droupadi Murmu nominates to Rajya Sabha professionals with deep rooted credibility may also inspire greater respect for the Upper House’s debates and resolutions.
As India grows both domestically and globally, the role of qualified voices in law-making cannot be overstated. These nominations by President Droupadi Murmu set a precedent for rewarding expertise and selfless service over political calculation.
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