Hundreds of college students, who had gathered at Fatima College on Friday to observe the National Voters’ Day, pledged to cast their ballot.
“As responsible citizens we have to contribute towards forming a government. Voting is a political right and one should remember that each and every vote has a value”, District Collector Anshul Mishra told the students. He said that at least 89,000 people have been added to the electoral list in the past three months, the majority of which were youth.
Commissioner of Police Sanjay Mathur, Superintendent of Police V. Balakrishnan, retired IAS officer K. Lakshmi Kanthan Bharathi and Corporation Commissioner R. Nanthagopal took oath along with the students and delivered addresses emphasising the importance of voting.
“This day is celebrated to create awareness among the voters of the importance of their democratic duty. Overcome hypocrisy and cynicism and cast your votes after checking the track record of each candidate”, said Mr Balakrishnan.
Mr Nanthagopal in his address expressed concern over the decline in voter turnout. Voter identity cards were distributed to the public on the occasion. Josephine Nirmala, Principal of the College and Esther Mary, Correspondent of the College were also present.
