President Murmu nominates educationist Satnam Singh Sandhu to Rajya Sabha
What's the story
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday nominated educationist, agriculturist, and philanthropist Satnam Singh Sandhu to the Rajya Sabha. In a notification, the president's office said that Sandhu's nomination fills a vacancy left by a retiring member. Both Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Sandhu's nomination to the Upper House. Out of the 250 members of the Rajya Sabha, 12 are nominated by the president, while the other 238 are elected.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Sandhu's nomination came a day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) said that 56 seats of the Rajya Sabha from 15 states will go to polls on February 27. The term of 50 members from 13 states will conclude on April 2, while six members from two states will retire on April 3.
Son of Punjab farmer
Sandhu is founder of Chandigarh University
Born into a farming family, Sandhu established the Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) at Landran in Mohali, Punjab, in 2001. In 2012, he founded the Chandigarh University. Despite facing challenges in his early life, Sandhu became a dedicated philanthropist, often providing financial aid to students. In addition to his educational pursuits, he is an agriculturist and actively participates in community efforts to promote health and wellness.
Twitter Post
Vice president welcomes Sandhu's nomination
I welcome the nomination of Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji to the Rajya Sabha. His rich work in community service and his passion towards education, innovation and learning will be big sources of strength for the Rajya Sabha. I wish him the very best for his tenure. @satnamsandhuchd pic.twitter.com/UAA1FMk6yp
— Vice President of India (@VPIndia) January 30, 2024
Twitter Post
PM Modi congratulates Sandhu on his nomination
I am delighted that Rashtrapati Ji has nominated Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Satnam Ji has distinguished himself as a noted educationist and social worker, who has been serving people at the grassroots in different ways. He has always worked extensively to… pic.twitter.com/rZuUmGJP0q
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 30, 2024
Fostering communal harmony
Philanthropist and educationist
Sandhu also actively engages in community initiatives to enhance the health and wellness of the public. Managing two NGOs, the Indian Minorities Foundation and the New India Development (NID) Foundation, he works toward fostering communal harmony in the nation. "His rich work in community service and his passion toward education, innovation, and learning will be big sources of strength for the Rajya Sabha," Dhankhar said.