25-01-2025 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor on the Occasion of the 16th National Voters’ Day, 2026.
Jai Hind!
Dear Citizens,
From this sacred land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the occasion of the 16th National Voters’ Day.
Today is an occasion to pay tribute to the very soul of Indian democracy. This day reminds us that the greatest strength of democracy is not any institution or system, but alert, aware, and active citizens.
The Constitution of India has established a democratic form of government in the country—one that is run by representatives elected by the people themselves.
The theme declared by the Election Commission of India for this year is “My India, My Vote.” This theme awakens the spirit within us that recognizes every citizen as an inseparable part of the nation. Every vote is not merely the act of pressing a button; it determines the direction of the India we wish to hand over to our children and future generations. When a citizen casts a vote, they are not deciding only for themselves, but for the future of the nation.
This year’s tagline, “Indian Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy,” clearly conveys that the true foundation of democracy is not policies or institutions, but you—the citizens. By granting us the right to vote, the Constitution has expressed its faith in the wisdom and judgment of every Indian citizen. This very faith makes Indian democracy the largest and one of the most vibrant democracies in the world.
Today also marks the Foundation Day of the Election Commission of India, which was established on 25 January 1950. For more than seven decades, the Commission has faithfully discharged its constitutional responsibility of conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.
On this occasion, I congratulate the Election Commission and all its associated officers, personnel, and security forces, whose tireless efforts ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the democratic process in India.
Dear Citizens,
The strength of democracy depends on how sincerely we fulfill our duties along with exercising our rights. Voting is not only a right but also a sacred constitutional duty. This duty is a legacy of the struggles of our ancestors who sacrificed their lives for independence and envisioned an India where the voice of the people reigns supreme.
I would especially like to welcome the youth and first-time voters who have recently turned 18 and are about to vote for the first time. Youth power is the greatest asset of any nation. Your single vote can become the spark of change that gives society a new direction. I urge you not to treat voting as a mere formality, but as an opportunity to shape your future.
Inclusive democracy is our identity. The resolve of “No Voter Left Behind” is not just a slogan but our collective responsibility. Ensuring the participation of persons with disabilities, senior citizens, people living in remote areas, and marginalized communities is our shared duty. Democracy becomes truly strong only when every section of society participates in the electoral process.
Ethical and informed voting is the need of the hour. I appeal to all of you to exercise your vote freely and wisely, without fear, temptation, or discrimination based on caste, religion, language, or region. Your vote should be a reflection of your conscience and moral judgment, not the result of pressure or inducement.
In today’s era, technology has made the electoral process more transparent and accessible. Facilities like e-EPIC have simplified voter identification in digital form. Online registration, corrections in voter lists, and awareness campaigns have further connected citizens to the democratic process. This progress reminds us that technology is meaningful only when it strengthens democracy.
EVMs and VVPATs are vital links in ensuring fair and transparent elections. Through VVPAT, voters can verify the authenticity of the vote cast by them. This process plays a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening public trust in free and fair elections. Its widespread awareness among the general public is extremely important.
Promoting electoral literacy is our long-term responsibility. Spreading awareness among youth through Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) in schools and colleges is essential. When children and young people understand the core principles of democracy, they grow into responsible citizens.
I have been informed by the Secretary (Elections) that awareness campaigns are being conducted in schools and colleges through Electoral Literacy Clubs and Campus Ambassadors to engage future and young voters. At the booth level, Election Pathshalas are also being used to educate out-of-school youth about voter registration and voting.
As a result of special campaigns for women, persons with disabilities, deprived sections, transgender persons, and tribal communities, a large number of youths have registered as voters. Young voters are the future of the nation, and I call upon them to ensure 100 percent ethical participation.
Ensuring free and fair voting by polling parties who walk long and difficult paths amid Uttarakhand’s challenging terrain, heavy snowfall, and rainfall is truly commendable. The state’s election machinery deserves appreciation. There are nearly 1,000 voters in the state who are 100 years of age or above. I wish them long lives and express my gratitude for their active participation in elections.
The Election Department is distributing free photo identity cards door to door, in which BLOs, especially women BLOs, have made remarkable contributions. I commend all BLOs for their hard work.
Social media, electronic media, print media, various departments, and civil society organizations play a vital role in effectively conveying the efforts of the state election machinery to voters and citizens. All of them deserve congratulations for this contribution.
Dear Citizens,
In the present electoral scenario, we all realize that democracy is not merely a system but a continuous process of dialogue and participation. The challenges that arise from time to time inspire us to be more vigilant. We must ensure that our democratic traditions remain strong and public trust continues to grow.
On this occasion, I urge all of you not to limit the National Voters’ Day pledge to mere words, but to make it a part of your lives. Let us resolve to uphold democratic values, respect the fairness of the electoral process, and place national interest above all else.
Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has always been at the forefront of nation-building. Its brave legacy, spiritual traditions, and aware citizens are the strength of our democracy. I am confident that every voter of Uttarakhand will fulfill their responsibility and contribute to taking the country to new heights.
On this occasion, I wish to reiterate that active participation of every citizen is essential for building a strong and vibrant democracy. “My India, My Vote” is not just a theme—it is our identity. When we vote, we strengthen the soul of India.
In conclusion, I appeal to all citizens of the state to mandatorily exercise their right to vote in every election and strengthen democracy. Let us together build an India where every voice is heard, every vote is valued, and every citizen considers themselves a builder of the nation’s future.
Once again, my best wishes to all of you on National Voters’ Day.
Jai Hind!