Calling for responsible and inclusive participation in democracy, the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Mrs Anindita Mitra, underlined the inseparable relationship between Jantantra and Loktantra, stating that democracy is the foundation that enables all institutions to function effectively.
Chairing the State-Level function of the 16th National Voters’ Day organised at Amity University, Sector-82, Mohali, the CEO paid respectful homage to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, whose visionary leadership accorded constitutional status to the Election Commission of India.
In her keynote address, Mrs Mitra expressed gratitude to the District Administration, Amity University, teachers, students, and all stakeholders for organising a vibrant and inclusive celebration. Sharing insights from her earlier tenure as Secretary, School Education and Higher Education, Punjab, she noted that working closely with nearly 26 lakh students strengthened her belief that youth can play a transformative role in sensitising over two crore voters, including their families and communities.
The 16th National Voters’ Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm under the theme “My India, My Vote”, with the tagline “Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.”A video message from the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, was also played on the occasion, in which he laid special emphasis on the pivotal role of young voters in strengthening the democratic framework and urged them to actively participate in the electoral process.
The programme was graced by Sh. Amandeep Bansal, Additional Chief Electoral Officer; Ms Komal Mittal, Deputy Commissioner, SAS Nagar; Sh. Sakattar Singh Bal, Joint CEO; Ms Geetika Singh, ADC (General); Ms Anju Bala, Deputy CEO; Ms Manjit Kaur, Electoral Officer; and Dr Puneet Sharma, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Amity University.
The celebrations commenced with the flagging-off of a Bike Rally aimed at spreading voter awareness, organised with the support of 'Mitran Di Motorcycle Mandli'. A SVEEP Painting Exhibition and Rangoli displays depicting democratic values were also showcased, highlighting the importance of voter education and participation.
Appreciating the dedication of the election machinery, the CEO lauded the efforts of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), polling personnel, and officials, and paid tribute to those who laid down their lives in the service of democracy. She also congratulated participants of various activities, including bikers, artists, and performers, for their valuable contribution towards voter awareness.
The programme featured a series of cultural and awareness performances, including a Welcome Song, Giddha, Bhangra, Yoga demonstrations, and a special voter awareness song presented by visually impaired voters, reflecting the true spirit of inclusive democracy. Students and young voters also shared their thoughts, emphasising the pivotal role of youth in strengthening democratic values.
An “Election theme based Calendar” was also unvieled on this occasion by the CEO Mrs Mitra.
On the occasion, State-Level and District-Level Awards were presented to outstanding performers, including representatives from Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers of Ludhiana and Tarn Taran districts, District Best Electoral Registration Officer SDM Amit Gupta, Dera Bassi, Nodal Officer Rooma Rani, Principal, Mubarikpur School, BLO Rajeev Kumar (Booth No. 99, Dera Bassi), District Icons Rajesh Dharwal, Prem Singh (Padma Shri), Mrs Poonam Lal, Artist Gurpreet Singh Namdhari, Bikers’ Clubs, Yoga Trainers, and school students for their exemplary contribution towards voter awareness.An Elector's Pledge was also administered to the participants.