Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 19: In a landmark initiative to enhance voter education and encourage democratic participation among the youth, Cluster University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Election Commission of India and the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, UT of J&K, launched the "Democracy on Wheels" campaign with the flagging off of a specially designed IEC Van.
The campaign, the first of its kind in the region, was inaugurated from GGM Science College, Jammu, aiming to strengthen electoral literacy and foster civic responsibility among students.
The event was conducted under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, and Mr. Akhter Hussain Qazi (JKAS), Nodal Officer (SVEEP), UT of J&K. The launch ceremony was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Romesh Kumar Gupta, Principal of GGM Science College, alongside faculty members Dr. M. S. Saini, Dr. Ashaq Hussain (Associate Dean, DSW and University Nodal Officer for Election Awareness), Prof. Chaman Lal, Prof. Pankaj Gupta, Prof. Altaf Ahmed, and the SVEEP Committee of the college.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Romesh Kumar Gupta welcomed the initiative, saying, "Our students are tomorrow's leaders. This campaign will help instill democratic values and a deep sense of civic responsibility. We hope they will become ambassadors of democracy in their communities."
In his message, Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Chandrasekar emphasized the importance of youth participation in the democratic process: "India's democracy thrives on the active involvement of its youth. This campaign is a step toward nurturing informed and responsible citizens."
Mr. Akhter Hussain Qazi highlighted SVEEP's commitment to enhancing electoral literacy: "Democracy on Wheels is part of our resolve to reach out to young voters and spread the message that every vote matters, and every voice counts."
Dr. Ashaq Hussain elaborated on the campaign's operational aspects, stating that the specially equipped IEC Van features LED displays to showcase engaging educational content on the voting process, electoral participation, and the values of democracy. The van will travel to various colleges affiliated with the Cluster University in the coming weeks, aiming to convert awareness into meaningful action.
The campaign forms a key part of the ongoing SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) program, which seeks to promote participatory democracy through education, outreach, and youth engagement. |
