Every responsible citizen should exercise their right to vote in an election. In order to encourage more youngsters to cast their vote, Government of India decided to celebrate January 25 every year as National Voter’s Day. This day also marks the foundation day of the Election Commission.
According to the 2011 Census Data, 41% of Indians are below the age 20 years. That makes for a huge number of young voters. Moreover, about two crore youngsters turn 18 every year, thus becoming eligible to vote. Given that today’s youth is the country’s future, their votes definitely mean a lot. As both the country and Odisha go to elections in the next few months, Orissa POST speaks to a few first-time voters and how do they envision a new India.
Twenty-two-year old Suryasnata Bohidar from Bargarh district sounds super excited and is eagerly waiting for the big moment when she casts her vote for the first time. “I am really excited that I will now be able to take a decision on the future of my country by casting my vote. I expect the leaders of our country to be a good human being first. Every citizen votes with the hopes of seeing a better tomorrow,” says Suryasnata.
“Today’s youth is practical and farsighted. Hence it’s not just the excitement of casting their votes for the first time but also taking the right decision. “As a citizen, I feel every candidate and political outfit should think something concrete to solve the problems in the country,” added Suryasnata.
For Baishali Parida, a student, says that she will cast her vote and feels that the deserving candidate should win. “I am very excited to cast my vote for the first time. I expect the candidate I vote for, if he wins, should do good work for the society. There are several problems in the society and those need to be changed. I am confident that I will vote for the right candidate,” says 20-year old Baishali.
Swati Pragatika Mishra from Paradeep is both excited and nervous. “It’s my duty to cast my vote as a responsible citizen. I have been waiting for this opportunity for long. I have seen my family members go to the polling stations with lots of excitements. I will be getting this opportunity for the first time,” says Swatisnigdha.
Much like Baishali and Suryasnata, Swatisnigdha too feels that whoever comes to power should work for the people and help the country and state’s economy flourish. “People in this country have to pay a lot of taxes. If it is reduced, it will be of help to a lot of people,” she says.
Understandably, youngsters will be entering the polling booths with a lot of expectations. And they are confident that their votes will mean a lot to the candidates they choose. “Like other, I too would want a better future and my vote will matter in deciding that. I would wish to choose a leader, who will help me fulfill my dreams. At the same time we citizens should also act more responsibly. We should take care to littering in public place and protect the natural environment. A leader can guide us but we too need to take up this responsibility,” says 20-year old Rudraditya Panda from Jagatsinghpur.
BRATATI BARAL, OP
