BANDIPORA: The District Election Office Bandipora on Thursday organised a mega awareness programme at Auditorium Hall Kaloosa aimed at raising awareness about the significance of right to vote and participation in democratic process.

The program was presided over by Deputy District Election officer Bandipora, Mohammad Rafeeq Bhat in the presence of ACR (ARO 15-Bandipora) Shabir Ahmad Wani.

The event also marked participation of SVEEP Ambassador Faisal Ali Dar, Nodal Officer SVEEP (Principal N. M Hr Sec Kaloosa) Ab. Rashid, Nodal Officer PINK Polling Station, Coordinator SVEEP, Convener SVEEP, BLOs, Prominent citizens, President Specially-Abled Association Nazir Ahmad, Students, and female staff to be deployed for Pink Polling Stations.

Concerned from SVEEP cell, Bandipora hosted an insightful session with the aim of increasing awareness about the importance of voting in a democratic system.

Participants were briefed about the upcoming opportunity to exercise their vote on May 20th, the poll day for Baramulla PC of which Bandipora forms a part.

On the occasion, a documentary was displayed before the participants regarding electoral education and voting rights.

Speaking on the occasion, DyDEO emphasized the importance of participation in the democratic process. He said vote is a collective power of individual voices that brings about real change.

Bhat, also deliberated on various aspects of ethical voting and informed decisions.

Addressing the gathering, ACR Bandipora (ARO 15- Bandipora) sensitized the participants about the importance of voters, especially new voters.

During his speech, he said that to make elections more inclusive, many initiatives have been taken to increase voter turnout such as pink polling stations for women, special provision for senior citizens, and urged participants to become beacons of light for others.

Arafat Rasool, a student from GDC Hajin, delivered an enthusiastic speech on the importance of casting a vote and emphasized that we should be conscious in choosing our representatives.

Munawar Parvana, a prominent poet of Bandipora in his speech, said that it is the responsibility of every citizen to shape the future of our nation by casting their vote efficiently and proactively and choosing our representatives wisely.

Seerat Bashir, a young artist, presented beautiful paintings before the participants to promote voter awareness and participation.

On the occasion, a cultural programme by CRPF 3rd Battalion also enthralled the audience.