Prez nominates Sonal Mansingh, R Mohapatra, 2 others to RS

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New Delhi : President of India Ram Nath Kovind on July 14, 2018, nominated classical dancer Sonal Mansingh, stone artist Raghunath Mohapatra, former MP Ram Shakal, and RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha to the Rajya Sabha (RS) in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 80 of the Constitution of India and on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Ram Shakal : He 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 : A respected and widely read author, Rakesh Sinha is the founder and honorary Director of Delhi-based think-tank “India Policy Foundation.” A Professor of Motilal Nehru College of Delhi University, he is also currently a member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research. He is a regular columnist in a range of newspapers.

Raghunath Mohapatra: He is an internationally renowned authority on stone carving. Practicing since 1959, he has trained over 2,000 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 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.

Sonal Mansingh : She is among India’s foremost exponents of Indian 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, according to a PIB release.