Raghunath Mohapatra

By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 14, 2018: Padmbhsuan awardees stone sculptor and classical dancer Sonal Mansingh from Odisha were on Saturday nominated to Rajya Sabha along with two others by President Ramnath Kovind on the advice of prime minister Narendra Modi.

Mohapatra is a renowned authority on stone carving and has trained over 2,000 students. Mohapatra, who has been carving since 1959, has contributed to the preservation of traditional sculpture and ancient monuments. He also worked on the beautification of the Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri.

His famous works include a six-feet-high statue of the Sun God carved in grey sandstone, in the Central Hall of Parliament; and the Wooden Buddha, Buddha Temple, Paris.

Earlier in February 2014, Mohapatra had contested for Rajya Sabha polls with backing of ruling Biju Janata Dal. However, he lost to Congress candidate Ranjib Biswal.

Mansingh is among India’s foremost exponents of Indian classical dance. She has been performing Bharatnatyam and Odissi for over six decades. She is also a famous choreographer, teacher, orator and social activist.

Sonal Mansingh

Mansingh founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances in Delhi in 1977.

Both Mohapatra and Mansingh expressed their happiness to the announcement coinciding the famous Car Festival and attributed their selection to the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated mohapatra and 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.

The other two nominated to Rajya Sabha are farmer leader Ram Shakal, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ideologue, author and columnist Rakesh Sinha.

There were eight nominated members in the Rajya Sabha and four vacancies, which were left, were on Saturday filled.

The nominees will replace former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, actor Rekha, businesswoman Anu Agha and former Attorney General of India K Parasaran.