Kovind nominates classical-dancer Sonal Mansingh, stone-artist Raghunath Mohapatra to Rajya-Sabha
Former MP Ram Shakal, RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha, classical dancer Sonal Mansingh, and stone artist Raghunath Mohapatra were today nominated to the Rajya Sabha. The nominations were made by President Ram Nath Kovind on the advice of PM Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister's Office said. There were eight nominated members in the Rajya Sabha and four vacancies, which were left, were today filled.
President has power to nominate 12 persons to RS
Article 80(1)(a) 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, arts, and social service.
Shakal is a known farmer leader and a former MP
"Ram Shakal, is an eminent people's leader from UP, who has devoted his life for the welfare of the Dalit community. He is widely respected for championing the cause of farmers and migrants," PMO said. He has also been a three-time Member of the Lok Sabha, representing UP's Robertsganj constituency. Sinha is the founder and honorary director of the Delhi-based think-tank India Policy Foundation.
Shakal is also a member of ICSSR
A professor at the Motilal Nehru College of the Delhi University, Shakal is also a member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).
Mohapatra has been practicing stone carving since 1959
Mohapatra is an internationally renowned authority on stone-carving. Practicing since 1959, he has trained over 2,000 students. Mohapatra has contributed to the preservation of traditional-sculpture and has worked on the beautification of the Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri. His famous works include a 6-feet-high statue of the Sun God carved in grey-sandstone, in the Central Hall of Parliament, and the Wooden Buddha, Buddha Temple, Paris.
Mansingh has a documentary made on her dancing career
Mansingh is among India's foremost classical dancers. She has been performing Bharatnatyam and Odissi for over six decades. She is also a well-known choreographer, teacher, orator, and social-activist. Mansingh founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances in Delhi in 1977. To mark the completion of her 40-years in dancing in 2002, noted film director, Prakash Jha made a documentary film on her, titled Sonal.
