PT Usha and Ilayaraja are among four Rajya Sabha nominated Candidates

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• Jul 7, 2022 | Poonam Nath

The President recommends 12 Rajya Sabha candidates with unique expertise or relevant experience in art, literature, science, and social work.

Digital Desk: On Wednesday, July 6, iconic music composer Ilaiyaraaja, honored athlete PT Usha, philanthropist Veerendra Heggad, and director Vijayendra Prasad were nominated to Rajya Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated them on Twitter.

The prime minister congratulated Ilaiyaraaja by taking his words to Twitter, and he stated, "The creative genius of @ilaiyaraajaJi has enthralled people across generations. His works beautifully reflect many emotions. His life journey is equally inspiring- he rose from a humble background and achieved much. Glad that he has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha."

Ilaiyaraaja's career spans over five decades, and he is credited with over 7,000 songs for more than 1,000 films. He is a Padma Vibhushan awardee.

Modi praised PT Usha's "work to mentor aspiring athletes," calling her an "inspiration for every Indian."

Usha, also known as the Payyoli Express, has won medals at many international sporting events, including the Asian Championships and the Asian Games.

PM Modi also quoted some inspiring words for PT Usha, tagging along our Payyoli express; he tweeted, "The remarkable PT Usha Ji is an inspiration for every Indian. Her accomplishments in sports are widely known, but her work mentoring budding athletes over the last several years is equally commendable. Congratulations to her on being nominated to the Rajya Sabha."

In the meantime, Modi praised philanthropist Veerendra Heggad, saying he is "at the forefront of outstanding community service."

Heggad was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2015 for his extensive social service and education contributions. 

"I've had the opportunity to pray at the Dharmasthala Temple and see the wonderful things he's doing in health, education, and culture. He will undoubtedly add to the quality of the proceedings in Parliament, "Modi stated.

V Vijayendra Prasad, a screenwriter, and director, were nominated to the Upper House of Parliament.

Modi remarked on Prasad's decade-long association with cinema, saying, "His works have made a global impact by showcasing India's glorious culture. Congratulations on his election to the Rajya Sabha."

JP Nadda, the chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), also congratulated the nominees.

Notably, all four nominees are from the southern states.

The Rajya Sabha has 245 members seats, 233 of whom are elected and 12 who are appointed by the President of India. According to the constitution, the House cannot have more than 250 members.

According to the constitution, the House cannot have more than 250 members.

Five of the twelve had previously been nominated, and they are Former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, renowned classical dancer Dr. Sonal Mansingh, lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani, BJP leader Ram Shakal, and Delhi University professor Rakesh Sinha were honored.

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