Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 06: Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), Sri Vijaya Puram, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, organised “Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvad – Know Your Vote” on 5th November 2026 at the Lecture Gallery of Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), Sri Vijaya Puram. Approximately 300 students and youth MY Bharat NSS Volunteers were participated in the programme with the objective of promoting electoral awareness, democratic values and responsible citizenship among young people.
The programme was graced by Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, as the Chief Guest, while Mrs. Perl Devdas, Principal, JNRM, Sri Vijaya Puram, attended as the Guest of Honour. Several prominent personalities and social workers of the Islands, including Mr. P. Yogesh, Mrs. Baby Mathew, Mr. Vivekanand, Mrs. Minu Prasad and Mr. Nalong Mize, were also present on the occasion.
At the outset, Mr. Deepak Kumar, District Youth Officer, MY Bharat, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and briefed them about the objectives and significance of the Yuva Samvad initiative. Mr. Sukha Ranjan Biswas, Joint Director, MY Bharat, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, formally welcomed the Chief Guest.
During the programme, Mr. T. Harish Kumar, Youth Icon, delivered an informative PowerPoint presentation on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the theme “Know Your Vote”. He explained the legal framework and importance of SIR, the need for accurate electoral rolls, voter registration procedures and the responsibilities of citizens in strengthening electoral democracy. He also highlighted the importance of identifying duplicate entries, deceased voters and other ineligible entries while ensuring that no eligible citizen is deprived of the right to vote. Dr. T.K. Jijith Rekh also addressed the gathering and sensitised the youth about the SIR process and the importance of informed participation in democracy.
Addressing the gathering, the MP, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, emphasised the importance and power of every vote, particularly for first-time voters. During his interaction, he enquired whether the participating youth had registered themselves as voters. On learning that several young participants had not yet registered, he advised them to complete their voter registration without delay and become responsible participants in the democratic process. He emphasised that every vote carries equal importance and that an informed and independent vote enables citizens to elect their public representatives for the welfare and development of their constituency.
Referring to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the MP explained that the exercise aims to maintain genuine and accurate electoral rolls by identifying duplicate entries, multiple registrations and the names of deceased persons. He also mentioned that approximately 52,000 names had been removed during the SIR exercise in the Islands. He advised anyone whose name was missing from the electoral roll to approach their respective Booth Level Officer (BLO) or apply through the online voter registration facility for necessary action, subject to the prescribed procedure.
The MP also interacted directly with the youth and discussed various developmental issues and concerns raised by the participants. Important matters included educational stipends, hostel facilities for students, healthcare infrastructure and the proposed new hospital, maintenance of NH-4 and other public welfare-related issues. He advised the youth that any matter concerning public health and other public grievances could also be brought to his notice in writing for necessary follow-up. He further discussed the importance of keeping the aspirations and developmental requirements of the Islands on the appropriate platform for consideration.
As part of the programme, a “Know Your Vote” pledge was administered to the participating youth, encouraging them to become informed and responsible voters, uphold democratic values, respect the Constitution and actively participate in strengthening India’s democracy. The pledge also reinforced the importance of ensuring electoral awareness among fellow citizens and encouraging eligible young people to register themselves as voters.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Mr. Deepak Kumar, District Youth Officer, MY Bharat, expressing gratitude to the Hon’ble MP, the Guest of Honour, other dignitaries, resource persons, participating institutions and the youth for their valuable contribution and active participation. The programme ended with the singing of “Vande Mataram” followed by the National Anthem, marking the formal conclusion of the event.
The interaction provided an opportunity for young people to understand that democracy does not end with casting a vote; it also involves remaining aware, raising genuine public concerns and engaging with elected representatives for the development and welfare of society. The programme highlighted the message “Your Vote, Your Voice – Protect the Vote, Respect the Constitution” as a reminder of the collective responsibility of every citizen towards strengthening democracy and contributing to Viksit Bharat@2047.
The programme was organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), Sri Vijaya Puram, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India in Associate with JNRM, Sri Vijaya Puram with the objective of promoting electoral literacy, responsible citizenship and meaningful youth participation in nation-building.
