In a significant push for electoral participation, Kanpur's top administrator directly appealed to the city's student community to embrace their democratic duty. District Election Officer and District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh addressed a gathering at Kanpur University on Tuesday, emphasising the pivotal role of the youth in shaping the nation's future through the ballot.
A Call to Action for Young Voters
Speaking at a voter awareness programme held at the university auditorium, Singh drew a parallel between academic discipline and civic responsibility. He advised students to take a solemn pledge to strengthen Indian democracy by seeing themselves as active voters. Just as disciplined study builds a strong foundation for their careers, he stated, participating in elections is essential to build a modern and powerful democratic nation.
The District Magistrate underscored that voting is not just a right but a fundamental duty for every citizen who has attained the age of 18 years. He urged the youth to treat voter registration with the same seriousness as they plan for their professional futures.
Simplifying the Registration Process
To facilitate this, Singh highlighted the ease of the enrollment process. Young people can register as voters by simply filling Form 6, either online via their mobile devices or by visiting the nearest polling station. He stressed the importance of recognising and exercising the constitutional right to choose a government of one's choice.
"A vote is your right, your voice and your duty," Singh declared, encapsulating his message. He made a direct appeal to all eligible students present to ensure their participation in this "great campaign of democracy" by registering within the stipulated time limits.
Oath and On-Campus Registration Centre
Moving from words to action, the programme included a concrete step to boost enrollment. The District Magistrate administered a voter awareness oath to the assembled students. Following this, he officially inaugurated a dedicated Form-6 distribution centre for new voters. This centre is strategically located within the university campus, specifically in the canteen, making it highly accessible for the student population.
Echoing the administration's sentiments, Kanpur University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Vinay Kumar Pathak, emphasised the need for large-scale voter awareness drives to effectively reach every student in Kanpur. Recognising the digital era, he announced an innovative plan to leverage technology for the cause.
The university will organise a hackathon focused on voter awareness, with the best participants standing to win first, second, and third prizes. This initiative aims to engage tech-savvy students in creating solutions to boost electoral participation. Prof. Pathak joined the appeal, asking students to contribute to strengthening the country by becoming informed and registered voters.
The event marks a concerted effort by the district administration and educational institutions to bridge the gap between India's youth and its electoral process, aiming to build a more robust and inclusive democracy for the future.
