He noted that being a voter is the greatest privilege and responsibility in a democracy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, on National Voters’ Day, called upon citizens of the country to celebrate when a person becomes a voter for the first time, saying this is a moment of great significance for them.
Prime Minister Modi greeted the citizens of the country on National Voters’ Day in a letter, saying, “I am happy to connect with you as a fellow citizen who takes great pride in Indian democracy.”
“Often, people describe India as the world's largest democracy and that is correct. At the same time, we also take pride in the fact that India is the Mother of Democracy, with a history of democratic values that stretches back through the centuries. Democracy, debate and dialogue are deeply embedded in our civilisation,” he added.
This year marks 75 years since the beginning of India’s first General Election in 1951. PM Modi said that the election, which concluded in 1952, “illustrated the inherent democratic spirit of the people of India”.
He noted that being a voter is the greatest privilege and responsibility in a democracy.
“Voting is a sacred constitutional right and a mark of participation in Bharat's future. The voter is the Bhagya Vidhata of our development journey. That indelible ink on a finger is a badge of honour that ensures our democracy remains vibrant and purposeful.”
Special emphasis on first-time voters
Putting special emphasis on first-time voters, PM Modi said, “Our first-time voters should be welcomed into democracy as individuals who hold the power to transform the destiny of our country.”
He called upon every citizen to celebrate when they or someone around them becomes a voter for the first time and make them feel truly special. He added that such celebrations should take place at home as well as in schools and colleges.
“At home and in our residential societies, we can celebrate the same by sharing sweets. Our schools and colleges have a vital role to play as nurseries of democratic values. I encourage them to celebrate this milestone of youth becoming first-time voters, perhaps through ceremonies that recognise students reaching voting age and make them feel truly special as they step into this new responsibility,” he added.
He further emphasised that school and college campuses can become hubs for movements that ensure every eligible youth is enrolled as a voter, while noting that an ideal occasion for carrying out these activities is January 25, National Voters’ Day.
Further talking about the importance of voting, he said, “To the world, the scale of our elections is a logistical achievement. To us, in addition to being about logistics, elections are a festival of democracy where we all come together to celebrate the importance of being a voter.”
“The people's commitment to voting is so deep that whether they live high in the Himalayas, in the islands of Andaman and Nicobar, in deserts or in dense forests, they turn up to ensure their voice is heard. This commitment to democratic ideals will motivate us for times to come,” he added.
He emphasised that the participation of Nari Shakti, especially young women, is crucial for an inclusive democracy.
“Their awareness and active involvement have strengthened the foundations of Bharat,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister further stated that today’s youth do not wait for things to happen but actively participate in making things happen with a ‘Can Do’ spirit.
“You can spread awareness about the importance of becoming a voter. Let us resolve to make every effort towards strengthening our democracy and creating a developed, inclusive, and self-reliant Bharat,” he added.
(For more news apart from “PM Modi urges celebration of first-time voters at home, school, college with sweets: “Make them feel truly special”," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
