Eminent stone sculptor and Padma Vibhushan awardee Raghunath Mohapatra was nominated to Rajya Sabha today.
President Ramnath Kovind nominated Mohapatra along with three others- farmer leader Ram Shakal, author and columnist Rakesh Sinha and classical dancer Sonal Mansingh.
Mohapatra, an internationally architect and sculptor from Odisha, had received the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan
The nominees will replace former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, actor Rekha, businesswoman Anu Agha and former Attorney General of India K Parasaran.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated Raghunath mohapatra and Odissi Dancer Sonal Mansingh and also expressed his deep gratitude to the president for nominating the two distinguished personalities, who have immense contribution to the promotion of Odisha art and culture.
Earlier in February 2014, Mohapatra had contested for Rajya Sabha polls with backing of ruling BJD. However, he lost to Congress candidate Ranjib Biswal
Article 80(3) of the constitution of India authorises the President to nominate as many as 12 members to the Rajya Sabha who have special knowledge or practical experience in the fields of Literature, Science, Art and Social Service.
