President Ram Nath Kovind has nominated four eminent persons to the Rajya Sabha. They are classical dancer Sonal Mansingh, champion of farmers’ cause Ram Shakal, author Rakesh Sinha and authority on stone carving Raghunath Mohapatra.

An announcement by the President’s Secretariat on Saturday said the President had made the nominations in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 80 of the Constitution, and on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Ram Shakal is an eminent people’s leader and public representative from Uttar Pradesh, who has devoted his life for the welfare and well-being of the Dalit community. A farmer leader, he is widely respected for championing the cause of farmers, labourers and migrants. He has been a three-time Member of Parliament, representing Robertsganj constituency of Uttar Pradesh.

Rakesh Sinha is a widely read author and the Founder and Honorary Director of the Delhi-based think-tank “India Policy Foundation”. A professor of Motilal Nehru College of Delhi University, he is currently a member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research. He is a regular columnist in a range of newspapers.

Raghunath Mohapatra is an internationally renowned authority on stone carving. Practicing since 1959, he has trained over 2000 students. He has contributed to the preservation of traditional sculpture and ancient monuments, and has worked on the beautification of the Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri. His famous works include a six feet high statue of the Sun God carved in grey sandstone, in the Central Hall of Parliament; and the Wooden
Buddha at Buddha Temple, Paris.

Sonal Mansingh is among India’s foremost exponents of classical dance. She has been performing Bharatnatyam and Odissi for over six decades. She is also a well-known choreographer, teacher, orator and social activist. She founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, in Delhi in 1977.

Article 80 (1) (a) read with Article 80 (3) of the Constitution provides that the President can nominate to the Rajya Sabha, 12 persons having special knowledge, or practical experience in respect of literature, science, art and social service. There were currently four vacancies which have been filled
up with Saturday’s nominations.