The President of India Ram Nath Kovind nominated 4 members to the Rajya Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The nominations were made to fill the positions vacated by Sachin Tendulkar, Rekha, Anu Aga and K. Parasaran on account of their retirement.
According to the Article 80 (1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, the President of India can nominate up to 12 people for the membership of Rajya Sabha. These nominees must have an exceptional contribution in the field of literature, art, social service and so on.
Among the President’s nominees are Former Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker and three times Lok Sabha member Ram Shakal, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (R. S. S.) ideologue Rakesh Sinha, classical dancer Sonal Mansingh and Stone sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra.
According to the statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Ram Shakal is an eminent personality and public figure championing the cause of the Dalit community. He has dedicated his life to the welfare of farmers and labourers.
The RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha is a professor at Motilal Nehru College, Delhi University and an honorary director of a Delhi based think tank called India Policy Foundation. He is also a member of the Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR).
Sonal Mansingh, the renowned Bharatanatyam and Odissi dancer has dedicated six decades of her life to dance. She is a teacher, orator and social activist. In 1977, she founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dance in Delhi.
Raghunath Mohapatra is an internationally reputed stone sculptor, practising the art since 1959. He has trained over 2000 students. His famous 6 feet high statue of the Sun God sculpted in grey stone adorns the Central Hall of the Parliament. He has also been an important role in the beautification of the famous Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The four nominees filled the vacancies on July 14. They will remain members of the Rajya Sabha for a six year term.
