Chandigarh, 25 January 2026: Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, under the aegis of the Election Department, U.T. Chandigarh, and as per the directions of the Election Commission of India, hosted the state-level function to mark the 16th National Voters’ Day. The event was organised on the theme ‘My India, My Vote’ with the tagline ‘Indian Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy’.
Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, U.T. Chandigarh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present included Sh. Swapnil M. Naik, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS, District Election Officer, Sh. Amandeep Singh Bhatti, PCS, Electoral Registration Officer, and Sh. Sorabh Kumar Arora, Joint Chief Electoral Officer.
Welcoming the Chief Guest, Sh. Swapnil M. Naik apprised the audience of the key highlights of the year 2025, which witnessed a series of innovative voter awareness initiatives such as nukkad nataks and special voter enrolment camps across the Union Territory.
The programme commenced on an auspicious note with Ganesh Vandana presented in the classical Kathak form by the students of the college. This was followed by a vibrant series of creative performances including nukkad natak focusing on the key initiatives of the Election Commission of India, with special emphasis on the “Book a Call” facility for electoral services; mime and dance performance. On the occasion, Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad distributed EPIC cards to newly enrolled young voters and also felicitated the Best Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), Booth Level Officers (BLOs), competition winners and other officers/officials. Awards were also presented to the best-performing schools, colleges and departments for their outstanding contribution through Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs). The calendar of Election Department was released by Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad and Electoral pledge was also administered. The winners of Rangoli Making and Poster Making Competitions on the theme ‘My India, My Vote’, and student performers of the day were also honoured.
Addressing the gathering, Sh. Prasad emphasised that the vitality of a democracy depends on citizens exercising their right to vote responsibly and impartially. He highlighted that the Election Commission of India has launched 30 key initiatives aimed at strengthening electoral integrity, transparency and voter convenience. These include enhanced polling facilities, technological reforms, purification of electoral rolls and robust stakeholder engagement. Measures such as accessible polling stations, transport assistance, real-time voter turnout reporting, 100% webcasting, ECINET platform and improved EPIC services have significantly improved efficiency and public trust in the electoral process.
Officiating Principal Ms. Neena Sharma emphasised the role of educational institutions in nurturing responsible and informed citizens. She stated that National Voters’ Day serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of Indian democracy and the responsibility each citizen holds in safeguarding it. She added that hosting the state-level celebration is a matter of pride for MCM, as it reflects our continued commitment to fostering electoral awareness, ethical citizenship, and active participation among young voters.