Music Composer Ilaiyaraaja, Athlete PT Usha Among 4 Nominated to Rajya Sabha

Philanthropist Veerendra Heggad and director Vijayendra Prasad were also nominated to the upper house of Parliament.

Iconic music composer Ilaiyaraaja and celebrated athlete PT Usha were nominated to Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, 6 July.

(Photo: The Quint)

Iconic music composer Ilaiyaraaja, celebrated athlete PT Usha, philanthropist Veerendra Heggad, and director Vijayendra Prasad were nominated to Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, 6 July.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to congratulate them.

Congratulating Ilaiyaraaja, the prime minister tweeted, "What is equally inspiring is his life journey – he rose from a humble background and achieved so much. Glad that he has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha."

A Padma Vibhushan awardee, Ilaiyaraaja's career spans more than five decades, and over 7,000 songs for more than 1,000 movies are attributed to him.

Commending PT Usha's "work to mentor budding athletes," Modi called her an "inspiration for every Indian."

Also called the Payyoli Express, Usha has won medals at various international sporting events, including the Asian Championships and Asian Games.

Meanwhile, Modi also lauded philanthropist Veerendra Heggad and remarked that he is "at the forefront of outstanding community service."

Heggad has been recognised for his extensive contributions to the fields of social service and education and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

"I have had the opportunity to pray at the Dharmasthala Temple and also witness the great work he is doing in health, education and culture. He will certainly enrich Parliamentary proceedings," Modi said.

Screenwriter and director V Vijayendra Prasad was also nominated to the upper house of Parliament.

Noting Prasad's decade-long association with cinema, Modi said, "His works showcase India's glorious culture and have made a mark globally. Congratulations to him for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha."

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

Notably, all 4 nominated persons belong to the southern states.

Rajya Sabha Nominations: How Many?

Of the 245 seats in the Rajya Sabha, 233 members are elected and 12 members are appointed by the president of India. As per the constitutional limit, the strength of the House cannot exceed 250 members.

Out of the 12, five people had been previously nominated. They were former CJI Ranjan Gogoi, renowned classical dancer Dr Sonal Mansingh, lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani, BJP leader Ram Shakal, and Delhi University professor Rakesh Sinha.