ANI file photo
NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Sunday described voters as the soul of democracy and called for celebrating the youth, who have come of age, as individuals who hold the power to transform the destiny of the country.School and college campuses can be hubs for movements that ensure every eligible youth is enrolled as a voter, the PM said, emphasising that the National Voters’ Day is an ideal occasion for the movement and celebrations every year.Modi’s emphasis on the importance of voters in a letter to volunteers of MY-Bharat, a govt-run youth empowerment initiative, appeared to be a pointed counter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “vote chori” campaign against his govt and Election Commission.The Prime Minister said that to be a voter is the “greatest privilege and responsibility in a democracy”. “The voter is the Bhagya Vidhata of our development journey,” he said. “Our first-time voters should be welcomed into democracy as individuals who hold the power to transform the destiny of our country,” he added.Modi said that he was connecting with them as a fellow citizen who takes great pride in Indian democracy. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the first general election which illustrated the inherent democratic spirit of Indians, he emphasised. That indelible ink on a finger is a badge of honour that ensures democracy remains vibrant and purposeful, Modi added.He said that “at home and in our residential societies, we can celebrate the same (first-time voters) by sharing sweets. Our schools and colleges have a vital role to play as nurseries of democratic values.” It should be observed joyously like a birthday, the Prime Minister added.”People’s commitment to voting is so deep that whether they live high in the Himalayas, in the islands of Andaman and Nicobar, in deserts or in dense forests, they turn up to ensure their voice is heard,”Modi said.He also touched on the issue in his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ broadcast, lauding voters as the soul of democracy.In his letter, Modi said the participation of women, especially young ones, is crucial for an inclusive democracy. The volunteers of the platform – MY-Bharat – belong to a generation that does not wait for things to happen, but actively participates in making things happen with a “can do” spirit, he said, asking them to spread awareness about the importance of becoming a voter.The Prime Minister said, “Let us resolve to make every effort towards strengthening our democracy and creating a developed, inclusive and self-reliant Bharat.”
