NDC DESK
NEW DELHI , JULY 13 : In a powerful testament to resilience and public service, President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha. Among them is C. Sadanandan Master, a teacher from Kerala who endured a brutal political attack decades ago and continues to serve with unwavering courage.
🏛️ Nominees to the Rajya Sabha
• Harsh Vardhan Shringla
Former Foreign Secretary; key diplomat for India’s G20 Presidency 
• Ujjwal Deorao Nikam
Renowned public prosecutor known for handling the 1993 Mumbai blasts, 26/11 terror attacks, and other high-profile cases 
• Meenakshi Jain
Padma Shri‑winning historian with significant contributions to historical scholarship 
• C. Sadanandan Master
A retired schoolteacher turned social worker from Perinchery, Kannur, Kerala 
The Sadanandan Story – A Tale of Courage
Born into a Communist family, Sadanandan embraced the RSS during his student days, a shift that exposed him to political hostility. On 25 January 1994, while returning from a bus stop at Uruvachal, he was ambushed by a gang of CPI(M) cadres. They hacked off both his legs below the knee and left him bleeding on the roadside. No one dared to intervene until the police arrived and rushed him to hospital .
Remarkably, after months of recovery and fitting with prosthetic legs, Sadanandan resumed his teaching career in 1999. He went on to become an active member of the BJP and RSS, emerging as a committed educator and social advocate. He also contested Kerala Assembly elections in 2016 and 2021 from Koothuparamba, undeterred by his traumatic past .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded his nomination, calling his life “the epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice,” and commended his lasting contributions to youth empowerment and public service .
Why This Matters
Sadanandan’s appointment is more than a symbolic triumph over violence—it is a powerful message of hope and resilience. His presence in the Rajya Sabha will lend unique strength to discussions around education, social welfare, and political reconciliation. Furthermore:
• Representation of survivors: His voice brings firsthand insight into political violence and the strength of democratic values.
• Educational advocacy: As a lifelong teacher, he is poised to champion educational reforms and youth development.
• Moral authority: His personal history offers powerful moral weight to debates on political tolerance and justice.
Looking Ahead
Sadanandan’s nomination starts his six‑year term from 13 July 2025 to 12 July 2031   . His journey—from an attack survivor to a national legislator—epitomizes the triumph of spirit and civic duty. His story stands as a beacon of what sheer determination and commitment to public good can achieve.
Congratulations to all four nominees, especially to Sadanandan Master, whose remarkable story continues to inspire.
