Young voters can transform destiny of country, says PM Modi | India News
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday described voters as the soul of democracy and urged them to celebrate the youth, who have come of age, who have the power to change the country’s destiny.Schools and college campuses can be centers of agitation to ensure that every eligible youth is enrolled as a voter, the prime minister asserted that National Voter’s Day is an ideal occasion for agitation and celebration every year.Modi’s emphasis on the importance of voters in a letter to volunteers of the government-run youth empowerment initiative MY-Bharat appeared to be a subtle counter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “vote stealing” campaign against his government and the Election Commission.The Prime Minister said that being a voter is “the greatest privilege and responsibility in a democracy”. He said, voters are the destiny of our development journey. “We should welcome first-time voters to democracy as individuals who have the power to change the destiny of our country,” he added.Modi said he is 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 depicts the inherent democratic spirit of Indians, he asserted. Indelible ink on fingers is the badge of honor that ensures democracy is kept alive and purposeful, Modi added.He said that “at home and in our residential societies, we can celebrate by sharing the same (first-time voters) sweets. Our schools and colleges have an important role to play as nurseries of democratic values.” It should be celebrated with joy like a birthday, added the Prime Minister.“People’s commitment to voting is so deep that whether they live in the Himalayas, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, deserts or dense forests, they come forward to ensure their voices are heard,” Modi said.He touched on the issue in his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, hailing voters as the soul of democracy.In his letter, Modi said the participation of women, especially the youth, is crucial for an inclusive democracy. Volunteers of the platform – MY-Bharat – belong to a generation who don’t wait for things to happen, but actively participate in making things happen with a “can-do” attitude, he asked them to spread awareness about the importance of being voters.“Let us resolve to make every effort to strengthen our democracy and build a prosperous, inclusive and self-reliant India,” the Prime Minister said.
