The four day long Matdaata Mahotsav organized by Election Commission of India on the theme, “No Voter to be left behind” concluded in New Delhi, yesterday. Speaking at the Closing function, Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. Nasim Zaidi appreciated the efforts of all participants from various states, partner agencies and other EMBs for making the event a success. He also appreciated the efforts of State Icons from various states present there for their immense contribution towards greater participation of voters. 26 State Icons including Cheteshwara Pujara (eminent cricketer), Sharda Sinha, Malini Awasthi, Vicky Chauhan, Mamta Chandrakar (renowned folk singers), Gopinath Muthukad (famous magician), Apurvi Chandela and Rajat Chauhan (renowned archers), Dhavnit Thakre (RJ), Ankita Raina (Renowned tennis player), Dipa Karmakar (Gymnast), Saba Anjum (Hockey player), Vijay Sharma (Master Chef finalist), Meghna Malik (TV artist), Rajeev Verma (Senior TV artist), Santosh Yadav (Mountaineer) etc. from various parts of the country were felicitated by the Chief Election Commissioner. Among the participating states, Delhi was voted as the best stall and was awarded for the same.
The event focused at involving voters and citizens from all walks of life specifically women, youth, defence personnel, non-resident Indians, persons with disabilities, and those from marginalised sections for enhanced sense of inclusion, greater awareness about the electoral process and strengthening SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education & Electoral Participation) programme. The voters’ fest hosted national exhibition displaying the good practices on various aspects of election management and also described the process of elections through interactive models, presentations and exhibits from different parts of the country. There were information and facilitation centres, mock polling station and a range of interactive activities. Multitude of activities like debates and discussions, music and dance, street plays and games, quizzes and contests during the event aimed at keeping up the spirit of festivity. Few EMBs from other countries like Maldives, Nepal, Moldova, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Fiji and Australia also shared the best practices of their countries. It was for the first time that these countries had participated in such an exhibition.
Besides, the exhibitions provided a glimpse into best practices in various dimensions of election management- electoral roll, IT and technology, security, mobilisation of personnel and resources, voters’ education, election material, expenditure monitoring and many more innovations by States/ UTs in India through interactive models, three dimensional structures, digital presentations, display of publications and election material, mock set-ups, activities and role-play, graphics and films. This festival was organized with the support from partner CSOs, NGOs, Ministries and Departments, Radio, TV and Print Media partners along with the support from National Literacy Mission Authority (NLMA), Border Security Force (BSF) etc. The Matdaata Mahotsav was attended by several thousand visitors every day. The Commission plans to organize such events in future at both National and state levels.