President nominates author and philanthropist Sudha Murty to the Rajya Sabha

“Her presence in the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to our ‘Nari Shakti’, exemplifying the strength and potential of women in shaping our nation’s destiny. Wishing her a fruitful Parliamentary tenure,” he added.

I am delighted that the President of India has nominated @SmtSudhaMurty 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… pic.twitter.com/lL2b0nVZ8F

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2024

Also Read: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s latest book on Sudha and Narayana Murthy

‘Double surprise’

The announcement of her nomination to the Rajya Sabha was a double surprise as it came on Women’s Day, Sudha Murty said on Friday.

She said that she had never sought the position and had “absolutely no idea” why the government chose to nominate her.

“It came on Women’s Day and that’s a double surprise. I am very happy. I am grateful to our Prime Minister,” Murty, who is currently on a visit to Thailand, told PTI over the phone.

On her role as a member of the Upper House, she said, “I have to see what are the things…what I can do. This is a new area for me. So, I have to first sit and study and then I will be able to do it.”

She said she was pleasantly surprised by the announcement.

Out of the members of the Rajya Sabha, 12 are nominated by the President of India for a term of six years. The President nominates them on the basis of their contributions towards arts, literature, sciences, and social services.

The President makes the nominations according to the Fourth Schedule (Articles 4(1) and 80(2)) of the Constitution of India.

She was the former chairperson of Infosys Foundation and is married to Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy.

The Government of India awarded Sudha Murty the Padma Shri in 2006 and Padma Bhushan in 2023 for her social work.

(With PTI inputs)