on Saturday

Former MP Ram Shakal , RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha , classical dancer Sonal Mansingh and sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra werenominated to the Rajya Sabha.The nominations were made by President Ram Nath Kovind on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.Ram Shakal is a farmer leader from UP. He is widely respected for championing the cause of farmers, labourers and migrants. He has also been a three-time Member of Parliament, representing Robertsganj constituency of Uttar Pradesh.A respected and widely read author, Shri Rakesh Sinha is the Founder and Honorary Director of the Delhi-based think-tank “India Policy Foundation.” A professor of Motilal Nehu College of Delhi University, he is also currently a member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research.The President also nominated Raghunath Mohapatra, an internationally renowned authority on stone carving. He has contributed to the preservation of traditional sculpture and ancient monuments, and has worked on the beautification of the Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri. He is currently president of the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi.Renowned exponent of Indian classical dance Sonal Mansingh has also been nominated. She is also a well-known choreographer, teacher, orator and social activist. She has been honoured with Padma Vibhushan and Sangeet Natak Academy Awards.