As a part of National Voters Day being celebrated to create awareness of the significance of every vote, the Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, who is also the District Election Officer(DEO) today flagged off a Shikara Race (Canoeing and Kayaking event) here at the Sports Centre, Nehru Park.

The DC/DEO also presided over the pledge taking ceremony regarding National Voters Day-2025 where hundreds of students and athletes took the pledge for strengthening the democratic institutions.

The event organized by District Election Authority Srinagar saw participation of around 200 athletes associated with the Department of Youth Services and Sports with an objective of mobilization and awareness regarding voting registration, voting awareness and participation in the democratic activities.

The theme of this year’s National Voters Day is “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Shine”.

Addressing the gathering of participants at the event, the DC/DEO emphasized on the need to understand the value of participating in the electoral process and one’s voting rights. He said it is imperative for every citizen who has attained 18 years of age to get included in the voter list to exercise franchise in every election as part of discharging their democratic duty.

He highlighted the efforts of the Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, BLO and all the stakeholders who put in their commendable efforts during Special Summary Revisions-2024 that paved the way in ensuring successful Lok Sabha and J&K Assembly Elections with a remarkable increase in voter turnout in both the Elections. He stressed on responsibility to vote besides the right to vote to strengthen the democratic setup.

The DC/DEO urged the participants to carry forward the message regarding power of voting and spread awareness about the importance of voting in a democracy. He said National Voters Day also educates people about their voting rights and encourages youngsters to participate in the electoral process.

The DC/DEO added that greater electoral participation helps in making good welfare and developmental plans/policies which in turn make the roots of democracy stronger. He stressed on responsibility to vote besides the right to vote to strengthen the democratic setup.

Deputy District Election Officer, Srinagar, Mir Imtiyaz-Ul Aziz, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers of Zadibal, Umar Gulzar, Tehsildar Khanyar, Syed Shahid, other Officers/Officials of the District Election Authority were present on the occasion.