On the eve of Republic Day, January 25, India observes National Voters' Day to commemorate the establishment of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The day is significant in India because it is dedicated to raising awareness among Indian citizens about their voting rights and responsibilities.
Every year, the celebration of this special occasion is centered on a different dedicated theme. This year's National Voters' Day theme is 'Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible, and Participatory.'
History
The Union Cabinet approved the Law Ministry's proposal to observe January 25 as Voters' Day in a meeting chaired by then-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2011. The primary goal of Voters' Day is to increase voter registration and encourage the nation's youth to exercise their right and duty to vote.
Voters' Day is also a day to commemorate and defend Indian democracy.
Relevance
The main goal of the day is to engage the younger generation, which has reached the age of 18 but is hesitant to participate in the nation-building process. Youth participation was significantly lower at the start of the last decade than it is now.
The day was initiated to inform the young generation that it is their turn to be an active part of the election process and to get legal voters out of their homes so that they can exercise their fundamental rights.