Jairam Ramesh  is Member of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of India's Parliament, representing the State of Karnataka, and a Senior Visiting Fellow at The Hindu Centre. A former Union Minister, Jairam Ramesh has held several portfolios in the Union Government, including Rural Development (2011-2014), Drinking Water and Sanitation (2011-2013), Environment and Forests (2009-2011), Commerce and Power (2008-09), and Commerce (2006-2009).