Latest news with #MeenakshiJain
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
26/11 lawyer, ex-foreign secy: 4 nominated to Rajya Sabha
President Droupadi Murmu has nominated special public prosecutor in the 26/11 case Ujjwal Nikam, former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, educationist C Sadanandan Master, and historian Meenakshi Jain to the Rajya Sabha, a ministry of home affairs notification said on Sunday. Rajya Sabha nominees clockwise from top right: Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Meenakshi Jain, C Sadanandan Master and Ujjwal Deorao Nikam. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior BJP leaders welcomed the nominations as they hailed the contributions of the four people to society. The Constitution allows the President to nominate 12 people with 'special knowledge or practical experience' in the fields of literature, science, art, and social service to the Upper House. The appointments, made on the central government's recommendations, are intended to bring domain knowledge to parliamentary debates. 'In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of article 80 of the Constitution of India, read with clause (3) of that article, the President is pleased to nominate to the Council of States the following persons to fill the vacancies caused due to retirement of nominated members: Shri Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, Shri C. Sadanandan Master, Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Dr. Meenakshi Jain,' the MHA notification said. The term of nominated members is six years, and they are allowed to join a political party within six months of their appointment. Legal expertA noted lawyer, Nikam served as the government counsel in the Mumbai terror attacks case and played a key role in the conviction of terrorist Ajmal Kasab, who was sentenced to death in 2010. Recently, he was appointed the prosecutor in the politically charged Beed sarpanch murder case. He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Mumbai North Central seat as a BJP candidate but lost. Lauding Nikam's devotion to the Constitution as 'exemplary,' the PM said: '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.' Nikam, 72, thanked the President for nominating him and said: 'I thank President Droupadi Murmu for nominating me. When I met PM Narendra Modi during the Lok Sabha election campaign, he expressed his faith in me. Yesterday, PM Modi called to inform me about the nomination. He asked whether he should speak in Hindi or Marathi—both of us laughed. Then he spoke to me in Marathi…,' he said. Distinguished diplomat Shringla, who is a 1984 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, also served as India's ambassador to the United States and Bangladesh in his distinguished diplomatic career. He was also the chief coordinator for India's G20 Presidency in 2023. Congratulating Shringla on his nomination, Modi said he 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 the President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings,' the PM said. Shringla said that he will use the opportunity to work for the people. 'I have always wanted to work in the service of the country and, even after retirement, I have never stopped my endeavours in this regard. I am grateful for this opportunity and promise to do my best in working for the people, standing by the people and speaking for the people,' he said. Noted educationist A veteran social worker and educationist from Kerala with decades of grassroots service, Master was a victim of political violence in 1994 when CPI(M) members dragged him out of a car and chopped off his legs in the state's Kannur purportedly over his affiliation with the RSS. He contested the 2016 and 2021 elections as a BJP candidate from the Koothuparambu assembly constituency but lost. '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,' the PM said. Master said that the opportunity will help him work towards the BJP's goal of a 'Viksit Kerala' and 'Viksit Bharat'. 'Today, thankfully there is peace in Kannur and I am among those who want the peace to prevail. I see the 1994 attack on me as a bad dream which I want to forget. I see my nomination as the party's commitment to Kerala and its people. The party is now promoting the idea of Viksit Kerala and Viksit Bharat. To help realise this vision, I must work even harder,' he said. Eminent academic A noted historian and academic, Jain worked as an associate professor at the University of Delhi's Gargi College. She has authored several books, including Flight Of Deities And Rebirth Of Temples: Episodes From Indian History and The Battle for Rama: Case of the Temple at Ayodhya. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2020. '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 PM said. Thanking the PM and President, she said: 'Dear Honourable President and Prime Minister, I am deeply humbled at being nominated to the Rajya Sabha. It is truly a great privilege and honour.' The four nominations come ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and precede elections to Rajya Sabha seats from across states scheduled in 2026. Elections to 75 out of 245 seats are set to take place in April, June, and November next year when several leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and NCP(SP) president Sharad Pawar, are set to complete their terms.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
President Droupadi Murmu to visit Odisha from July 14 to 15
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu will visit Odisha's Bhubaneswar and Cuttack from July 14 to 15, 2025, a press release from President's Secretariat said. On July 14, the President will grace the fifth convocation ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar. On July 15, the President will grace the 13th annual convocation of Ravenshaw University and lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of three buildings of Ravenshaw Girls' High School at Cuttack. She will also grace the birth anniversary celebration of Adikabi Sarala Das and present the Kalinga Ratna Award-2024 at Cuttack. Earlier today, former Foreign Secretary Harshvardhan Shringla, Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, veteran social worker C. Sadanandan Master and noted historian Meenakshi Jain were among the other people who were nominated by President Murmu for Rajya Sabha. Ujjwal Nikam is best known for handling high-profile criminal cases, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial of Ajmal Kasab and the 1993 Bombay blasts case. Shringla, known for his distinguished diplomatic career, was India's Ambassador to the United States and Bangladesh. He served as Foreign Secretary from January 2020 to April 2022. Other newly nominated members include C. Sadanandan Master, a veteran social worker and educationist from Kerala with decades of grassroots service, and Meenakshi Jain, a noted historian and academic recognised for her contributions to the study of Indian history and civilisation. These individuals were nominated under the powers conferred by Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution, read with clause (3) of the same article. These nominations come in the wake of vacancies created due to the retirement of previously nominated members. The Ministry of Home Affairs made the announcement through a nominations fill the vacancies created by the retirement of previously nominated members and are seen as the government's acknowledgement of significant national contributions in the fields of law, diplomacy, social service, and historical scholarship. (ANI)
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, MPs greet Shringla, Jain on nomination to RS
New Delhi: Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Sunday met two newly-nominated Rajya Sabha Members – former Indian Foreign Service officer Harsh Vardhan Shringla and noted historian Dr Meenakshi Jain – to extend congratulations on behalf of the people of Delhi. Sachdeva, along with a party delegation, met Shringla and greeted him for his upcoming innings in the Upper House. Shringla brings with him a rich experience in diplomacy and international affairs. He played a crucial role in shaping India's foreign policy and had a key part in India's successful G20 presidency. The delegation that felicitated Shringla included MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat and MLAs Kailash Gahlot and Anil Sharma. The group that congratulated historian Dr Meenakshi Jain included former Delhi BJP President and MLA Satish Upadhyay, MP Sehrawat and MP Bansuri Swaraj. Jain, a noted historian, researcher and academic, is known for her work in history, political science and literature. Her scholarly contributions have significantly influenced academic discourse in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations to the newly nominated members through posts on social media. On Shringla's induction into Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "He 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 the President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings." Expressing happiness over Meenakshi Jain's nomination, PM Modi stated, "She has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher and historian. Her work in the fields of education, literature, history, and political science has enriched academic discourse significantly. Best wishes for her Parliamentary tenure." The two Rajya Sabha MPs were nominated by President Droupadi Murmu, along with two other eminent personalities, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Amit Shah congratulates Shringla, Nikam, Sadanandan Master, and Meenakshi Jain on Rajya Sabha nominations
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday congratulated former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, eminent public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, veteran social worker C. Sadanandan Master, and noted historian Meenakshi Jain on their nominations to the Rajya Sabha by the President. In a post on social media platform X, Shah lauded their contributions in their respective fields and expressed confidence that their presence in the Upper House would enrich national discourse and advance India's progress. 'Heartiest congratulations to distinguished historian Dr. Meenakshi Jain Ji, former diplomat Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla Ji, social worker Shri C. Sadanandan Master Ji, and senior advocate Shri Ujjwal Nikam Ji on being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the Hon'ble President,' Amit Shah said. 'Through exemplary contributions to your chosen fields, you have enhanced the honor of the nation. I firmly believe that the endowment of your vast knowledge, experience, and prowess will further enrich our national discourse in the Parliament and accelerate India's journey towards greatness,' he added. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, Meenakshi Jain, and Sadanandan Master has been nominated to the Upper House under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution, read with clause (3) of the same article. The nominations come in the wake of vacancies created by the retirement of previously nominated members. Shringla, known for his distinguished diplomatic career, served as India's Ambassador to the United States and Bangladesh. He was the Foreign Secretary from January 2020 to April 2022. Additionally, Ujjwal Nikam is best known for handling high-profile criminal cases, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial of Ajmal Kasab and the 1993 Bombay blasts case. Other newly nominated members include C. Sadanandan Master, a veteran social worker and educationist from Kerala with decades of grassroots service, and Meenakshi Jain, a noted historian and academic recognised for her contributions to the study of Indian history and civilisation. Earlier, PM Modi also extended his congratulations in separate posts on X, acknowledging their significant national contributions. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the nominations through an official notification. These nominations fill the vacancies created by the retirement of previously nominated members. They are seen as the government's acknowledgement of significant national contributions in the fields of law, diplomacy, social service, and historical scholarship. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Mumbai blasts lawyer, ex foreign secretary among 4 new nominees to Rajya Sabha
President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four individuals to the Rajya Sabha, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday. The nominees include former diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, public prosecutor Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, historian Meenakshi Jain, and teacher-politician C. Sadanandan Master. Ujjwal Nikam served as the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.(HT File) Ujjwal Nikam served as the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. He represented the prosecution in the sessions court, the Bombay High Court, and the Supreme Court in the case against Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only terrorist captured alive during the attacks. Kasab was sentenced to death in 2010, a decision later upheld by the higher courts. Harsh Shringla is a former Indian Foreign Service officer who has held senior positions in India's diplomatic missions, including Ambassador to the United States, and served as Foreign Secretary. He has also held postings in Bangladesh and Thailand during his diplomatic career. Dr. Meenakshi Jain is a historian whose work focuses on medieval and colonial Indian history. She is a former Associate Professor at Gargi College, University of Delhi, and a former Fellow of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. She has authored several books, including Rama and Ayodhya, The Battle for Rama, and Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2020. C. Sadanandan Master is a schoolteacher from Thrissur district in Kerala. He has taught social science at Sree Durga Vilasam Higher Secondary School in Peramangalam since 1999 and holds degrees from Gauhati University and Calicut University. On January 25, 1994, he was attacked near his residence in Kannur, a district known for political violence. The incident resulted in the amputation of both his legs. 'The attack was allegedly carried out by members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and was reportedly linked to his political shift away from the Left,' said officials familiar with the case. He was 30 years old at the time. According to Article 80 of the Indian Constitution, the President may nominate up to 12 members to the Rajya Sabha for their expertise and contributions in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. These nominations are made on the recommendation of the central government and are intended to bring domain knowledge into parliamentary debates.
