Students form human chain to raise voter awareness

Students, members of NGOs, officers and staff of Mangaluru City Corporation formed a human chain here on Friday to create awareness about the significance of people's participation in the electoral process.

The human chain was organised by DK Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation Committee in front of Mangaluru City Corporation building. The officials administered an oath to exercise their franchise in the upcoming Assembly election.

Placards displayed

Students and officials were seen holding placards which read 'Vote to make the change don't blame,' 'Shape tomorrow by voting today,' 'Every vote counts, 'Your vote is your voice,' creating awareness on the importance of exercising franchise among the onlookers.

Zilla panchayat CEO Dr M R Ravi said, "As election is nearing, over 500 students came together to create awareness among the people, especially the youth, to visit the polling booths to exercise their votes and be part of the nation-building process. As a majority of them are first-time voters, they have an eagerness to exercise their franchise. By exercising franchise one needs to strengthen democracy, " he said.

Various initiatives have been undertaken on the direction of Election Commission of India to make people from all sections, especially first-time voters, to exercise their franchise in the upcoming Assembly election.

Founder of APD Foundation Abdul Rehman said, "We have formed the human chain to create awareness among voters in Mangaluru and sensitise youth about the importance of exercising the franchise.

Exercising franchise is not only a constitutional duty but our responsibility as well," he said.

A mobile vehicle has also been travelling to different parts of Mangaluru creating awareness among the voters.