President graces 16th National Voters’ Day, calls for informed, duty-bound participation
BuzzBytes
New Delhi, January 25:
President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said that voting is not merely a political expression but a profound reflection of citizens’ faith in the democratic process, asserting that the true strength of Indian democracy lies in the depth of its democratic spirit rather than just the size of its electorate.
Addressing the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations in New Delhi, the President said that India’s democracy stands tall because voters from all sections of society—senior citizens, divyang voters and those living in remote and difficult terrains—continue to exercise their franchise with commitment and conviction. She appreciated the role of aware voters and the election machinery, led by the Election Commission of India, for ensuring inclusive and accessible elections.
“The strength of our democracy is not only in the number of voters, but in the spirit with which people participate,” President Murmu said, noting that public participation gives real meaning to democracy at the grassroots level. She lauded the Election Commission’s sustained efforts to ensure that “no voter is left behind,” highlighting its voter awareness programmes and inclusive initiatives.
Referring to this year’s theme, “My India, My Vote: Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy,” the President said it truly captures the essence of India’s democratic ethos and underlines the centrality of the voter in the constitutional framework. She said the right to vote empowers citizens to express their aspirations and gives practical shape to the ideals of political and social justice enshrined in the Constitution.
“Voting is not merely a political expression. It reflects citizens’ trust in the democratic process of elections,” she said, adding that universal adult suffrage, granted without discrimination, remains one of India’s most powerful democratic achievements. She said the principle of “One Person, One Vote” was born out of the Constitution makers’ deep faith in the wisdom of ordinary citizens—a faith that has been repeatedly vindicated by Indian voters.
President Murmu said Indian democracy has earned global respect as an extraordinary example of participative governance. At the same time, she reminded citizens that the right to vote must be exercised alongside constitutional duties. She expressed confidence that voters would make informed choices, free from temptation, ignorance, misinformation, propaganda and prejudice.
“The conscience of the voter is the strongest pillar of our electoral system,” she said, urging citizens to strengthen democracy through ethical and responsible participation.
Congratulating newly enrolled young voters across the country, the President said the voter identity card grants them an invaluable right to participate in the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy. “Today’s voters are the architects of India’s future,” she said, expressing confidence that young voters would exercise their franchise responsibly and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
National Voters’ Day has been observed annually on January 25 since 2011 to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India. The occasion aims to place the voter at the centre of the democratic process, promote electoral awareness and inspire active participation in strengthening India’s democratic institutions.
