SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 12 – In order to raise awareness among general public regarding the importance of voter participation in the ensuing General Elections to Legislative Assembly-2024, a mass awareness program as part of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign was today organized at 24-Zadibal Assembly Constituency (AC) here, reinforcing the message that ‘Every Single Vote Counts.’
The program organized by the Returning Officer (RO) of the 24-Zadibal AC aimed to engage citizens and encourage them to actively participate in the upcoming election process. A key highlight of the event was the call for universal voter participation, emphasizing that democracy thrives when everyone casts their vote.
In his address during the program, the Returning Officer stressed the power of a single vote and how it can influence the outcome of an election. He said the foundation of democracy is built upon the participation of each and every eligible voter. “Your vote is your voice, and it has the potential to shape the future of this constituency and the state. Every vote matters, and no one should feel that their vote is insignificant,” said the Returning Officer.
To reach out to the broader public, the program witnessed participation from various community stakeholders, including students, local residents, teachers, and public officials. The aim was to foster a deeper understanding of the electoral process and ensure that people from all walks of life feel motivated to participate.
In a unique approach to raise awareness, the program was followed by a plantation drive and a walkathon organized by students of Islamia College of Science and Commerce and Shaheen Public School. This besides engaging the youth in understanding the election process also tied the initiative to environmental consciousness, symbolizing the nurturing of both democracy and nature.
The students played a key role in organizing the walkathon, with banners and slogans promoting voter awareness and the importance of democracy. By engaging students, the initiative highlighted the need to involve first-time voters and youth in the electoral process.
Speaking at the event, one of the student leaders from Islamia College noted, “As the future leaders of this country, it is our responsibility to take part in elections. Our participation today will shape the society we live in tomorrow. Every vote we cast is a step toward strengthening democracy.”
As part of the awareness campaign, the plantation drive and walkathon underscored the interconnection between civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. Hundreds of students participated, planting saplings around the school premises and surrounding areas. The initiative was lauded as a step toward promoting the values of sustainability, which go hand in hand with responsible citizenship.
The Returning Officer expressed gratitude to Principal, Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Superintendent of Police, North / Hazratbal Srinagar, Divisional Forest Officer, Urban Forestry Srinagar, Deputy Director, Floriculture Kashmir, Chief Education Officer, Srinagar, Nodal Officer, SVEEP 24 – Zadibal AC, SDPO Khanyar/ Zadibal, Horticulture Officer, Srinagar, Principal, Shaheen Public School, Gasiyar and other stakeholders for their indispensable support and cooperation to make this event a grand success.
