Bhatkal marks 16th National Voters’ Day and Savita Maharshi Jayanti

Bhatkal,  Jan 27: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) The 16th National Voters’ Day and Savita Maharshi Jayanti were observed on Monday at the Bhatkal Taluk Administrative Building under the joint aegis of the taluk administration and the Election Commission of India.

Senior Civil Judge Kanth Kurani inaugurated the programme and paid floral tributes to the portrait of Savita Maharshi. Addressing the gathering, he said voting is a precious constitutional right granted to every Indian citizen and stressed that all eligible voters must exercise this right without fail. Describing the youth as the future of the nation, he urged them to understand the importance of voting and grow into responsible citizens.

He said voting is a sacred democratic process and the fact that every citizen enjoys an equal vote reflects the true strength of democracy. Expressing concern that voter turnout in the country still hovers around 60 to 70 per cent, he noted that democracy would become stronger only when voter participation reaches 100 per cent.

Presiding over the programme, Tahsildar Nagendra Kollashetty said National Voters’ Day has been observed for the past 16 years as per the directions of the Election Commission of India. He explained that the main objective of the observance is to create awareness among voters and highlight the significance of voting in a democratic system.

As part of the programme, kits were distributed to Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Winners of various competitions organised in connection with National Voters’ Day were also honoured with certificates. Shyamala Kamath, lecturer at The New English PU College, delivered a special talk on the importance of National Voters’ Day and the need for active voter participation.

Advocate Ishwar Naik, Executive Officer Sunil M, Municipal Chief Officer Venkatesh Navadu, Town Police Station PSI Naveen Naik, officials from various departments, staff members and members of the public were present at the event.