Daijiworld Media Network – Byndoor (JD/MS)

Byndoor, Mar 30: "Elections are the cornerstone of democracy. It is imperative that this process remains transparent, with active participation from all. Our goal is to transform voting into a village festival," stated Dr Vidyakumari, the deputy commissioner (DC) of Udupi.

Dr Vidyakumari made these remarks while inaugurating a voting awareness campaign held at the Shiroor Alvegadde boat anchoring area of Byndoor.

Highlighting the importance of youth engagement in elections, Dr Vidyakumari remarked, "We have observed a trend of the younger generation disengaging from the electoral process. Election day is not merely a holiday; it is a civic duty bestowed upon us by our constitution. In the previous assembly elections, we did not achieve 100% voter turnout. This time, we must strive to reach that milestone."

Present at the event were Pratheek Bayal, CEO of zilla panchayat and president of the SVEEP committee, Mamata Kumari, additional DC, Rashmi S R, assistant commissioner (AC), Mithun, SP of Karavali guard, Manjunath, assistant election officer, Pradeep, tahsildar of Byndoor, and Govind Madiwala, principal of DIET.

The welcoming address was delivered by Ananda S Badakundi, the executive officer of the taluk panchayat. Rajesh, PDO of Shiroor panchayat, conveyed the vote of thanks. Roopa, a staff member of the taluk panchayat, served as the event's emcee.

In a creative display of voting awareness, women from Shiroor created various rangolis. Later, Dr Vidyakumari and officials ventured to the Scuba diving area to participate in a unique voting awareness campaign. Dr Vidyakumari administered an oath from the midst of the sea, while the zilla panchayat CEO, ADC, and AC demonstrated voting awareness posters while scuba diving.