Lucknow: In accordance with the directives of the Election Commission of India, the 15th National Voters’ Day state-level program will be held on January 25 at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow. To build momentum for the event, Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Navdeep Rinwa, flagged off a state-level walkathon at KD Singh Babu Stadium. The walkathon aims to raise awareness about the importance of voting and encourage 100% voter turnout in the upcoming elections.
Addressing the participants at the event, Rinwa emphasized the critical role of each citizen in strengthening democracy. He stated, “Voting is not just our right but a tool to shape our future. This awareness campaign seeks to ensure that every citizen exercises their franchise and contributes to a robust democratic system.”
The CEO highlighted that National Voters’ Day, celebrated annually on January 25, plays a vital role in spreading awareness about citizens’ rights and responsibilities. As the world’s largest democracy, India relies on voters to keep its democratic framework vibrant and functional. Rinwa urged voters to remain uninfluenced by bribes, threats, caste, religion, or other biases and cast their votes wisely.
He also stressed the importance of enrolling new voters, especially those who have recently turned 18 or missed previous registration opportunities. Citizens can now register as voters four times a year—on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1—by submitting Form-6 in advance. The CEO elaborated on the voter registration process, the significance of voter lists, and the essential role of voting in democracy.
Rinwa encouraged participants to continue spreading awareness, stating, “Such programs are instrumental in bringing about positive change in society. Going forward, we will organize more initiatives to promote voter awareness, including digital campaigns, workshops in schools and colleges, and activities focused on women and differently-abled voters.” He urged everyone to not only vote themselves but also inspire their families, friends, and neighbors to participate in elections.
Special guest and Divisional Commissioner, Roshan Jacob, commended India’s democratic traditions, remarking, “The world admires India’s electoral processes and governance systems. For over 70 years, Indian voters have chosen governments at the state and central levels without bias or fear. It is our collective responsibility to uphold this legacy.”
During the event, Shri Rinwa administered a voter pledge to all attendees:
“We, the citizens of India, having full faith in democracy, pledge to uphold the dignity of our democratic traditions and to maintain the integrity of free, fair, and peaceful elections. We will vote fearlessly and without being influenced by religion, caste, community, language, or other incentives.”
The event saw participation from District Election Officer/District Magistrate Vishakh G. Iyer, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Chandrashekhar, Chief Development Officer Ajay Jain, senior officials from the Chief Electoral Office, and nearly 1,500 participants, including members of NSS, NYKS, Bharat Scouts and Guides, social organizations, government employees, and students.
With such initiatives, the state gears up to strengthen its democratic roots and ensure widespread voter participation in the upcoming elections.
