In order to sensitize women voters about their rights and to ensure their larger participation in the ensuing civic body elections in the State, an impressive awareness programme was organized at Government College for Women (GCW) Parade, here today.The programme was organized by the J&K Election Department with active support of Natrang Theatre and GCW, under Election Commission of India’s flagship programme SVEEP.Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), J&K, Shantmanu, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Rishpal Singh, Principal GCW,Parade, Prof. Renu Goswami, Director Natrang Theatre, Balwant Thakur and faculty members and large number of students were present on the occasion.Artists of Natrang on the occasion presented Balwant Thakur's award winning play'Loktantra Kaa Mantra' highlighting the importance of democracy, power of vote through their powerful acts that left great impact on the audience. The play effectively highlighted the power of common masses about which they are not fully aware and the importance of voting, it being the most effective democratic tool.
Speaking on the occasion, the CEO highlighted importance of the vote in strengthening democracy and appealed the students to ensure their larger participation in the ensuing civic body elections in the State. He said it is the power of the common man to elect members of their choice who can ensure development and prosperity in their areas. He asked the students to become ambassadors of democracy and motivate their relatives, friends to take part in the elections with enthusiasm, which is their fundamental right. He also called upon all eligible youth to register themselves as voters and become partner in the development and strengthening the democracy in the State.Mr. Shantmanu also highlighted the reformative and innovative measures initiated by the Election authorities to ensure fair and transparent Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat elections in the State. He said the Election Department has already ordered to update the existing electoral rolls in all the civic bodies across the State and people must take advantage of the occasion and ensure inclusion and deletion of names of all eligible/ineligible voters.
He said the activities relating to the ensuing election process are being highlighted through different mediums including print and electronic media, and special awareness camps across the State.The CEO expressed gratitude to Mr. Balwant Thakur for supporting this important event and said that the effort will go a long way in influencing the voters about their rights and value of their votes. He lauded the mesmerizing performance of the artists and said that it will prove quite useful in increasing the participation of women voters in the coming elections. He also conveyed his thanks to the college authorities for coordinating the event.