Students raise voter awareness in Srinagar ahead of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar: Scores of students from schools, colleges and universities participated in the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative to promote voter awareness.

The program featured interactive displays and workshops showcasing innovative voter education initiatives. A reading room, food tech stall, legal aid stall and canvas painting put up by the University of Kashmir were put up at the spot.

The participants from National Institute of Technology enlightened the audience regarding the process of voting through their mock polling station. The event was organized on the banks of river Jhelum in Srinagar, where students participated in painting, music, stage shows and other cultural activities. Assembly elections are scheduled in three phases in J&K on September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results will be announced on October 8.


The program was referred to as “River Of Democracy” which drew an enthusiastic crowd including artists, performers, and cultural groups from various colleges and higher secondary schools of Srinagar district. Akhlesh Kumar Mishra, General Observer, also emphasized on the vital role of youth in promoting voter awareness.

“Students and first-time voters should become agents of change by educating others about the importance of exercising their fundamental right to vote,” said Mishra. He was accompanied by several officers of the administration including Additional District Development Commissioner Ghulam Hassan, Deputy District Election Officer, Imtiyaz Ahmad and District Nodal Officer Special SVEEP, Tahir Ahmad Magray.

Various sports events were organized by District Youth Services and Sports to raise awareness among the public regarding voting. The District Election Office Mascot, Hangul, engaged the younger audience and encouraged responsible voting practices. At the event a mass pledge by the attendees to become responsible voters and to spread the message of voter awareness throughout their communities was taken as well.