PANAJI
The Governor P S Shreedharan Pillai on Tuesday said, “Let us uphold our faith in the democratic principles of adult franchisee and let us be vigilant and responsible citizens to carry on voting in a free, fearless and ethical manner.”
The Governor was speaking at the 12th National Voters’ Day, a State level function held at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, by Chief Electoral Officer, Goa in association with the District Election Officer South Goa, focussing on the theme “Making elections inclusive, accessible and participative”.
An awareness video of State election icon, Mukesh Ghatwal was launched on the occasion at the hands of Governor, P S Shreedharan Pillai who expressed pride for being in one of the most vibrant democracies in the world and congratulated the voters as they are soon going to celebrate the biggest festival of democracy “ elections.
Recalling the 1977 phase in the country when democratic restrictions were imposed during the emergency era, the Governor endorsed that the people of India proved to the nation that when the opposition were denied all sorts of rights, including the fundamental rights and was not allowed to peruse them even in the courts, it was the ordinary people of India who rose and reintroduced the democracy, even though half of the population was illiterate. “We proved to the world that even illiterate people are protective of democracy and are able to keep it vibrant,” stated Pillai.
Appreciating the work of election commissioner to carry on the process of creating awareness among the voters with the help of latest equipment, various Apps, helpline, chat box system, etc, Pillai hoped that Goa will be able to carry on the Assembly elections in a smooth way and appealed to the voters to turn out in large numbers on February 14 to cast their ballot.
The dignitaries present on the dais apart from the Governor were Punit Kumar Goyal, acting chief secretary, Goa and special invitee State Election Commissioner of Goa, W V Ramanamurthy IAS (retired) along with Chief Electoral Officer Kunal, IAS and District Magistrate and District Election Officer Ruchika Katyal.
The first-time voters, Divyang voters, and transgenders were felicitated on the occasion. The NGOs, heads of boards and institutions as well as government officers were also feted. The artists, singers, writers and technicians who worked as a team to create videos, skids and songs were honoured too.
