In a unique and culturally enriching initiative to promote voter awareness ahead of the upcoming Assembly Elections 2024, a series of Mushairas titled 'Jashn-e-Jamhooriyat Rajouri' were organised across all five constituencies of the district Rajouri, under the guidance and supervision of District Election Officer (DEO) Abhishek Sharma. This voter education drive was conducted as part of the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program to encourage greater voter participation in the Assembly Elections scheduled for 25th September 2024.
The culmination of these constituency-level events took place today with a grand district-level Mushaira held at the Dak Bungalow, Rajouri. The local poets came together to recite poems and sing songs in various languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Pahari, and Gojri whose performances were focused on the importance of voting, the power of single vote in a democracy, and the need for every eligible citizen to participate in the electoral process.
DEO Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, addressed the gathering and appreciated the participants for their creativity and dedication to the cause of voter education. He emphasized the role of cultural activities in motivating people to actively participate in elections, stating, "Through the medium of art, we are able to connect with people at a deeper level, making them aware of the importance of their vote in shaping the future of the country."
The DEO felicitated several participants, especially students, with cash prizes to acknowledge their contributions to the event. He encouraged them to continue their efforts in creating voter awareness, particularly in rural areas where participation has historically been lower.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries and officials, including Returning Officer (RO) Rajouri, Mohd Jahangir, Deputy DEO Shakeel Malik, Nodal Officer SVEEP Bishamber Dass, Cultural Officer, Alamdar Adam, Nodal Officer Control Room Sandeep Sharma, and Nodal Officer MCMC Ashiq Rafiq Malik.