09-02-2022:On the initiative of the Governor, Inter-University Speech Competition on the theme “Nation, Voting and Democracy” was organized at Raj Bhawan.

Rajbhawan, Dehradun, 09 February, 2022

On the initiative of Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd) an Inter-University Speech Competition on the theme “Nation, Voting and Democracy” was organized at Raj Bhawan on Wednesday. Students of state universities expressed their views on voting and democracy in front of Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd). Encouraging the students, Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd) said that the democracy of this great country would strengthen due to aware youth power. In a democratic country like India, there can be no greater power than voting. In a democracy, it is the voter who decides the fate of the government. Voting is both a duty and a right.

Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) said that as citizens, all of us Indians should have knowledge about what is our duty towards our country. All Indians should read, understand and oblige the Fundamental Duties with full devotion. There are lots of expectations especially from the youth in this regard. We should celebrate one day in a year as Fundamental Duty Day.

Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) said that I would like to congratulate 1.58 lakh young voters in the age group of 18 to 19 years who are going to vote for the first time in this election. Voters should vote in the interest of the state without influenced by any pressure of caste, religion, money or force and strengthen the democracy.

Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) said that the voting percentage in the last assembly election in the state stood at 66 per cent. This time to increase the voting percentage, all the more than 81 lakh voters of the state have to be determined to vote. We have to try to achieve the target of 100% voting. We have to set an example for other states of the country and democratic countries around the world.

Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) said that the participation of every section of the society is very important in this Mahayaga of democracy. Every vote is invaluable. This time our 68478 physically disabled people will also use their vote to strengthen democracy. The facilities of all types for voters have been taken care of by the Election Commission. Arrangements for postal ballots have been made for elderly people above 80 years of age, patients of covid, physically disabled etc. Its purpose is that no one is left behind. The voting process will be completed through a total of 11647 polling booths in the state. This time the number of polling booths has also increased. In Uttarakhand, the state of Matra Shakti, women have an important role in the strengthening of democracy like all other areas. Elector Gender Ratio of Uttarakhand is 928. This great campaign of democracy will be successful with the active participation of about 40 lakh women voters of the state.

Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) also appreciated all the officers, personnel, staff engaged in the election duty. He said that the personnel engaged in the election are fulfilling their responsibilities with full honesty, integrity, dedication and reverence. We are all grateful to the way the personnel engaged in the election duty in remote areas of the state, inaccessible hilly areas are working in making this festival of democracy a success with dedication and sacrifice.

Akash Uniyal, MBBS student of Hemvantinandan Bahuguna University of Medical Education, who stood first in the speech competition, said in his speech that just as every organ, system and cell of the human body is important for life. Every vote is priceless in a democracy. Tanisha Rawat, a student of Doon University, who stood second in the competition, said that voting is the power of democracy. Conscious voters are the creators of the country’s destiny. Everyone must vote. Karanjit Singh, a student of Kumaon University who stood third, said that all voters must vote for the strength of democracy. Pankaj Godiyal, a student of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, who stood fourth, said that the Constitution of India gives this sacred responsibility of voting to every Indian without discrimination of caste, religion, language, region, wealth and force.

Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) felicitated the winners of the competition.

On this occasion Dr. Ranjit Kumar Sinha, Secretary to Governor, Shri Amit Kumar Sirohi, Legal Adviser, Additional Secretary Smt. Swati S. Bhadauria, ADC Ms. Rachita Juyal and Vice Chancellors of State Universities, students were present on the occasion.

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