‘First Vote, First Pride’: PM Modi Backs MY Bharat’s Youth-Led Voter Awareness Drive
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted the nation on National Voters’ Day and urged young citizens to take pride in becoming voters, calling it both a celebration and a solemn responsibility in a democracy.
In a letter addressed to youth and volunteers of Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), the Prime Minister praised the “Can Do” spirit of India’s young generation and encouraged them to actively participate in nation-building by registering as voters and spreading awareness about the importance of voting.
Marking 75 years since the beginning of India’s first General Election in 1951, he described the electoral process as a “festival of democracy” and reiterated India’s identity as both the “world’s largest democracy” and the “Mother of Democracy.”
Emphasising the significance of first-time voters, the Prime Minister said that becoming a voter should be treated as a proud milestone in life. He urged communities, families, and educational institutions to celebrate young citizens when they register to vote, saying such gestures would deepen democratic awareness and participation.
“To be a voter is the greatest privilege and responsibility in a democracy. Voting is a sacred constitutional right and a mark of participation in Bharat’s future. The voter is the Bhagya Vidhata of our development journey,” he said, adding that the indelible ink mark on a voter’s finger symbolises honour and commitment to democracy.
The Prime Minister reiterated these sentiments during his Mann Ki Baat address, where he said that the voter is the “soul of democracy” and that voting is not just a right but a civic duty.
Taking forward the Prime Minister’s call, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said MY Bharat volunteers would work to turn the journey of first-time voters into a nationwide celebration. He described the initiative with the slogan, “First Vote. First Responsibility. First Pride.”
As part of the National Voters’ Day observance, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised activities across states, union territories, and districts under the theme “MY Bharat, MY Vote,” aiming to promote informed and ethical electoral participation among youth.
Mandaviya led National Voters’ Day events in Karaikal, where he encouraged young people to register as voters and take an active role in democratic processes. Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse participated in celebrations in Amritsar, interacting with MY Bharat volunteers and first-time voters while reinforcing the message of inclusive and responsible participation.
The nationwide programme was designed as a youth mobilisation effort to strengthen democratic engagement and ensure that more young citizens join the electoral process with awareness and pride.
