Leh, January 25/ VOL News Desk/ On the occasion of the 16th National Voters’ Day, the Hon’ble Lt Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta emphasized the vital role of informed and active citizens in strengthening India’s democratic framework, calling for greater civic awareness and responsible participation in the electoral process.

The Lt Governor was addressing during the celebration of 16th National Voters’ Day at the APJ Abdul Kalam Extension Center Auditorium Hall, with theme of this year’s event being “My India, My Vote” with the tagline, “Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy”. 

Speaking at the programme, the Lt Governor emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, “My India, My Vote,” stating that democracy begins not in institutions alone, but with the conscious participation of every voter. He underlined that each vote plays a decisive role in shaping the nation’s development, priorities, and future direction.

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The Lt Governor lauded the people of Ladakh for their unwavering faith in democracy despite the region’s challenging geographical conditions. He remarked that Ladakh stands as a strong example of democratic commitment, proving that difficult terrain can never weaken democratic spirit.

Referring to the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor said that the true strength of democracy lies in public participation, particularly through voting. He encouraged the youth to actively engage in the democratic process, noting that young voters are not only participants in the present but also architects of India’s future.

Addressing first-time voters, Shri Kavinder Gupta expressed confidence in the younger generation’s ability to shoulder responsibility in the coming decades. He stated that achieving the goal of “Viksit Bharat 2047” will depend largely on today’s youth, especially in Ladakh, which gained a distinct administrative identity in 2019.

The Lt Governor stressed that Ladakh’s development must go hand in hand with the preservation of its unique culture, traditions, and fragile environment. He called upon the youth to work towards making Ladakh a modern, prosperous, and self-reliant region while maintaining its ecological and cultural heritage.

Appealing to all eligible citizens, Shri Kavinder Gupta urged active participation in the electoral roll purification process and encouraged new voters who have attained the age of 18 to register themselves through concerned Block Level Officers.

The Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Election Commission of India, district administration, Booth Level Officers, volunteers, and security forces for ensuring free, fair, and smooth electoral processes in the region.

Concluding his address, the Lt Governor proposed a collective pledge to personally vote and inspire others, uphold democratic values/unity/fairness, and actively contribute to strong, inclusive Viksit Bharat, ensuring every eligible Ladakhi citizen is registered, aware, and empowered.

Earlier, the Lt Governor virtually inaugurated the 16th National Voters’ Day Special Camp Stall at Main Market Leh, distributed EPIC cards to 10 first-time voters, and announced Rs 10 lakh grant to PAGIR for welfare of persons with disabilities.

Chief Secretary Shri Ashish Kundra described National Voters’ Day as a ‘special’ occasion celebrating democracy as its core theme. He recalled India’s choice of democracy post-independence and commended the Election Commission for conducting unbiased elections every five years. He acknowledged the pivotal roles of election officials in strengthening electoral machinery. 

Emphasising that every vote counts, he stressed understanding each vote’s value and highlighted voter enrolment, particularly among young first-time voters. He directed School and Higher Education departments to launch registration campaigns in schools and colleges, urging all citizens to exercise their voting rights.  

State election icons- renowned singer and actor Phonsok Ladakhi, renowned filmmaker Stanzin Dorjey Gya and Tsewang Dorjey from PAGIR- also shared their experiences and the role played by them in encouraging the people of Ladakh to exercise their voting rights during the Lok Sabha elections. 

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Leh, who is also the District Election Officer, presented the welcome address. 

The voters’ pledge, to uphold democratic values and participate responsibly in the electoral process, was also administered on the occasion.  Shawa Musical Band also performed on the occasion.

Among those present on the occasion were Administrative Secretary Smt Bhanu Prabha, ADC Leh Shri Ghulam Mohd; Scientist from DIHAR Shri Nilesh Sharma, Booth Level Officers, first-time voters and other senior officials.