The home ministry has announced President Droupadi Murmu’s nomination of Chandigarh University Owner and founder Satnam Singh Sandhu to the Upper House of Parliament, according to an official notification.
Sandhu, recognized for founding Chandigarh University in 2012, is not only an agriculturist but also a prominent figure in community initiatives. His contributions extend to health, wellness, and communal harmony through his involvement with two NGOs – the Indian Minorities Foundation and the New India Development Foundation.
Vice-President and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar welcomed Sandhu’s nomination in a social media post, acknowledging his significant work in community service, education, innovation, and learning. Dhankhar expressed confidence that Sandhu’s tenure would be a valuable asset to the Rajya Sabha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight at President Murmu’s nomination of Sandhu to the Rajya Sabha. Modi highlighted Sandhu’s distinction as an educationist and social worker, praising his grassroots service and commitment to national integration and collaboration with the Indian diaspora. The PM extended best wishes for Sandhu’s parliamentary journey, anticipating enriched Rajya Sabha proceedings with his valuable perspectives.
Sandhu’s role in facilitating meetings between the Sikh diaspora and the Prime Minister under the Sadbhavna Programme in April last year was noteworthy. Chandigarh University, acknowledged in the PM’s Mann ki Baat address for orchestrating the largest human chain depicting the national flag, further underscored Sandhu’s impact.
Hailing from Rasoolpur village in Ferozepur district, Sandhu, the son of a Jat Sikh farmer, had affiliations with former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee head Gurcharan Singh Tohra and was previously close to the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership.
