TURA/RESUBELPARA/WILLIAMNAGAR/JOWAI, Jan 25: Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills on Saturday joined the rest of the country to celebrate the 15th National Voters’ Day, encouraging voter participation and awareness.
To mark the occasion, various district administrations organised events highlighting the importance of ethical voting and democratic rights.
In West Garo Hills, a programme was held at DC Park, Tura, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner (Election) Jagdish Chelani.
Addressing the gathering, he emphasised that voting is both a right and a responsibility, shaping the future of the nation. Similarly, Additional Deputy Commissioner Nippon Hajong informed attendees about the significance of National Voters’ Day, marking the foundation of the Election Commission of India.
During the event, a voters’ pledge was administered, and Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) were distributed to newly enrolled voters aged 18-19. Best Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) in the district were also felicitated by Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma.
A Buyer-Seller Meet was organised as part of the celebrations, featuring 35 stalls showcasing handicrafts, handlooms, woodcrafts, jewellery, artworks and local food.
In North Garo Hills, the district administration celebrated the occasion at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Resubelpara.
During the programme, Assistant Deputy Commissioner (Election) TMG Momin encouraged young voters to exercise their right to vote responsibly, while Additional Deputy Commissioner Leena Daring emphasised the role of women in political participation.
The event also featured the distribution of voter ID cards and a patriotic song presentation by district staff.
Meanwhile, in East Garo Hills, the celebrations took place at the Multipurpose Hall, Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Williamnagar.
Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Agarwal, who was the chief guest, highlighted ethical voting as a moral duty that contributes to a better society, whilst Additional Deputy Commissioner Dimserita Sangma delivered the welcome speech, and Assistant Commissioner Julius Marak proposed the vote of thanks.
In Jaintia Hills, the district administration in Jowai distributed EPICs to newly enrolled voters.
Deputy Commissioner BS Sohliya, along with additional deputy commissioners B. Blah and DV Lyngdoh, and Assistant Commissioner F. Passah, led the ceremony.
The programme also honoured voter awareness icons Sawakani Lakaing and Alexander for their contributions to promoting electoral participation.
A total of 2,827 newly enrolled voters were felicitated across four constituencies—Nartiang, Jowai, Raliang, and Mookaiaw—bringing the district’s total voter count to 1,66,728.
The event also included a drawing competition, with prizes awarded to winners.
