Sudha Murthy took oath as the nominated member of Rajya Sabha

Sudha Murty, an author and philanthropist, was recently sworn in as a member of the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi, in the presence of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. 

Union Minister Piyush Goyal also graced the event at Parliament, where Sudha Murty's husband and Infosys co-founder, NR Narayana Murthy, accompanied her.

On the International Women's Day 8th March the President nominated Sudha Murty. 

About Sudha Murty

• Sudha Murty is an Indian author, philanthropist and former chairperson of Infosys Foundation. 
• She is married to NR Narayan Murthy, Infosys co-founder. Sudha Murty is known for her literary contributions and social work and has received many accolades for her achievements. 
• She was bestowed with the Padma Shri in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023. She retired from her position as Infosys Foundation chairperson on December 31, 2021.
• Sudha Murty is highly accomplished, holding an engineering degree and a master's degree from the Indian Institute of Science. 
• Her father was a surgeon. She is renowned for her social activism and is the first female engineer at TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO). Sudha Murty played a significant role in establishing the Infosys Foundation.
• Sudha Murty's daughter, Akshata Murty, is married to Rishi Sunak, who is currently serving as the UK Prime Minister.

Nominated members of Rajya Sabha

Article 80 of the Constitution states that the Council of States, also known as Rajya Sabha, can have up to 250 members. Out of these, 12 are appointed by the President of India based on their special knowledge or practical experience in areas like literature, science, art, and social service.

Why are Nominated members there in Rajya Sabha?

• The Constitution has a principle of nomination in Rajya Sabha. This allows the most distinguished people in the country, who have earned recognition in their field of activity, to serve the nation. 
• Many of these people may not want to participate in the rough and tumble of the election. 
• By nominating them to Rajya Sabha, the state recognizes their merit and honors them. 
• It also enables them to share their expertise and knowledge in different areas and enrich the debates.

Who were the first Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha?

The first group of 12 nominees were all highly skilled and accomplished individuals. 

They included

• Dr. Zakir Husain, an educator and scholar; 
• Dr. Kalidas Nag and Dr. Radha Kumud Mookerji, both renowned historians; 
• Shri Maithilisharan Gupta ,a national poet; 
• Kakasaheb Kalelkar, a well-known author and follower of Gandhi; 
• Professor Satyendranath Bose, a distinguished scientist; 
• Shri N.R. Malkani, a social worker; 
• Shrimati Rukmini Devi Arundale, a famous classical dancer; 
• Dr. J.M. Kumarappa, a Gandhi scholar and teacher; 
• Dr. Alladi Krishnaswami, a legal expert; 
• Shri Prithviraj Kapoor, a renowned stage actor and film star; 
• Major-General S.S. Sokhey, a distinguished medical scientist.