As part of multiple activities being organised for students in the run up to International Women’s Day on March 08, the Department of Student Welfare, CGC Landran organised a Voter Awareness programme in campus today.
In addition to enlightening attendees about the electoral process, this event was seeking to spotlight the message of women empowerment with a special emphasis on encouraging women’s participation in the electoral process and the decision making process of the nation.
More than 400 students and faculty members from CGC participated in the session which made young adults especially first time voters, more aware, about their electoral rights. Mr. Deepankar Garg (PCS), SDM, ARO, SAS Nagar, graced the programme as Chief Guest.
He was accompanied by dignitaries including Mr. Gurbakshish Singh, District Nodal Officer, (SVEEP), Mr. Gagandeep Singh, District Programme Officer, Ms. Gursimran Kaur, CDPO, Kharar 2, Mr Shubham Bhardwaj, CDPO, Kharar 1, and Mr Amritpal Singh.
They were accorded a warm welcome by Dr. P.N. Hrisheekesha, Campus Director, CGC Landran and Ms. Gagandeep Kaur Bhullar, Dean Student Welfare, CGC Landran. The Chief Guest, SDM, Mr Deepankar Garg, began his address by highlighting the important role that women had played, historically, in their struggle for the right to vote.
Applauding them for their successful struggle and the subsequent impact it had on empowering women across the globe, he acknowledged that it is only apt that on International Women’s Day we celebrate achievements made by women in different fields and also respect all women.
He further apprised students and faculty members about the importance of exercising their right to vote and making an informed voting choice. Mr Garg also urged everyone to get themselves registered as voters. He concluded his address by encouraging everyone to vote and participate in the biggest festival of democracy.
Mr. Gurbakshish Singh, District Nodal Officer, (SVEEP) highlighted how voters can utilize the Voter Helpline app to know more about their candidates and make an informed voting choice. He further gave an overview of the initiatives being undertaken by the district, state and central government for the ease of voting for all the citizens.
He spoke about the Model Voting Booths being set up under an initiative of the Election Commission of India as also Pink Booths which will specifically be managed by women for encouraging women voters. He also talked about toll free number 1950 which voters can call in case they have any queries regarding the voting process.
He also informed the audience about the Saksham app, which he said has been specifically designed to assist senior citizens, persons with special abilities, pregnant ladies; to avail pick-up and drop facilities, wheelchairs and volunteers to help them reach a polling booth and cast their vote.
The event concluded with an engaging spot skit on power of voter by talented CGC’s engineering students Ayush and Lakshay followed by the felicitation ceremony wherein the Chief Guest conferred medals and trophies upon the winners of poster making and slogan writing competitions.
Sanju, Monika and Tanu, won the first, second and third prize, respectively, in slogan writing competition while Vanshika, Ramanjeet and Rohit, won the first, second and third prize, respectively, in the poster writing competition. Ms. Gagandeep Kaur Bhullar, DSW, CGC delivered the vote of thanks.