Sudha Murty nominated to Rajya Sabha; Modi says it's 'testament to our Nari Shakti'

'Sudha Ji's contributions to diverse fields including social work, philanthropy and education have been immense and inspiring,' said PM Modi as he lauded the decision by the President.

New Delhi: Philanthropist and The Murty Trust chairperson Sudha Murty was nominated to the Rajya Sabha on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi coinciding the announcement with the International Women's Day.

The 73-year-old will be the second nominated member from Karnataka to be in the Rajya Sabha at present. Dr Veerendra Heggade, who was nominated to the Upper House in July 2022, hails from Dakshina Kannada.

"I am delighted that the President of India has nominated Sudha Murty-ji to the Rajya Sabha. Sudha-ji's contributions to diverse fields including social work, philanthropy and education have been immense and inspiring. Her presence in the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to our 'Nari Shakti' (women power), exemplifying the strength and potential of women in shaping our nation's destiny. Wishing her a fruitful Parliamentary tenure," Modi said on 'X'.

She responded, “Thank you, Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi-ji. It is my privilege and honour to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha by our Hon'ble President of India Droupadi Murmu-ji. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve our nation.”

With her appointment, all 12 posts for nominated MPs have been filled. However, on July 13, four nominated MPs -- Rakesh Sinha, Mahesh Jethmalani, Ghulam Ram Shakal and Sonal Mansingh -- will be retiring.

The other nominated MPs are Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Ilayaraja, V Vijayendra Prasad, Satnam Singh and PT Usha. Singh was nominated to the Upper House in January this year.

Sudha Murty is married to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is married to their daughter. She received the Padma Bhushan for social work last year. She has also written over 40 books.