Mysore/Mysuru: Youth play an important in safeguarding the democracy, said Javagal Srinath, former International Cricketer and Brand Ambassador of Mysuru District Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Committee, here this morning.

Addressing the National Voters Day celebrations organised by SVEEP District Committee at Kalamandira, he called upon the students attaining 18 years to compulsorily enrol themselves in the electoral roll and actively take part in the election process to strengthen the democracy.

He also urged the students to encourage others to take part in the election process considered to be sacred.

Earlier, National Voters Day celebration was inaugurated by Principal District and Sessions Judge Prabhavathi M. Hiremath. District Legal Services Authority (DSLA) Member Secretary B.G.  Dinesh, Mysuru District SVEEP Ambassador Kushi, ZP CEO K.M. Gayathri, Additional DC R. Lokanath, MCC Council Secretary Rangaswamy, DDPU Mariswamy, DDPI H.K. Pandu and others officials were present. 

Prior to the event, more than 500 students took part in an awareness jatha from University of Mysore Athletic Grounds (Oval Grounds). The jatha was flagged off by Mysuru City Corporation Deputy Commissioner (Administration) G.S. Somashekar.

Students holding placards created awareness on the importance of voting throughout the jatha which culminated at Kalamandira premises.

The National Voters’ Day is being celebrated on Jan.25 every year since 2011 to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI), i.e. on Jan.25, 1950. The main purpose of the celebration is to create electoral awareness amongst citizens and encourage them to participate in the electoral process.