Madurai rolls out culture-led SVEEP drive to boost voter turnout

Madurai: A culture-centric voter awareness programme under the SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) initiative was held at the Madurai district collectorate on Thursday, with a focus on ensuring maximum voter turnout and promoting the message, "My Vote Is Not for Sale."Led by district election officer and collector K J Praveen Kumar, the programme featured a range of activities aimed at encouraging democratic participation. A highlight was the ‘Awareness Umbrella' campaign, where colourful umbrellas carrying election messages and SVEEP stickers were arranged to form an ‘Awareness Pathway'. A kolam reinforcing the message against vote-buying was also drawn. Folk art took centre stage with an Oyilattam performance reflecting the region's cultural heritage, aligning with the theme of the ‘Festival of Democracy'. A human chain stretching nearly a kilometre was formed to underline unity and civic responsibility. Participants later took a pledge led by the collector. "All eligible voters must exercise their franchise responsibly in the upcoming election," he said. The programme was attended by project director (District Rural Development Agency) Vanathi, assistant director (Panchayats) Visalakshi, special deputy collector (Social Security Scheme) Ponraj and several govt officials, among others. Meanwhile, the first training session for polling personnel was held at five counting centres to familiarise them with procedures and systems ahead of polling on April 23. MSID:: 129981775 413 |