Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Oct 26: The Election Commission of India officially declared actor Rajkummar Rao as its ‘National Icon’ on Thursday, with the aim of enhancing voter education and participation.
At Akashvani Bhawan in the nation’s capital today, the actor and the election authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
“I strongly believe in democracy and the importance of voting. Because I have done a film called Newton. I have experienced how hard is for you to conduct elections”, Rao remarked, pointing to the movie in which he played a government official who is determined to hold a free and fair poll in Chhattisgarh’s Naxal-affected regions.
In addition to being the nation’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 90th Academy Awards, widely known as the Oscars, the film earned the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
“Today, I stand in front of you with great responsibility as I assume the role of the National icon for the Election Commission of India. Today I take on a role that transcends the silver screen. I step into the shoes of a messenger. Our collective voice expressed through our votes has the power of participative democracy,” Rao stated.
“The film industry has taught me the value of unity and diversity. A democracy thrives on diverse voices that come together to create a harmonious nation. Today I am standing here to promote the most important aspect of democracy which is voting,” he added.
The actor went on to stress how crucial it is for young people to utilize their right to vote.
“I want to talk especially to students, I know you must be busy with your education, and social media scrolling up and down, but trust me the feeling you get when you cast your vote, is something you cannot experience anywhere else. The feeling of participating in forming a government, that is the best. I want to urge a request to all of you to please spread the message across that we have to go and vote. The power is in your hands,” Rao said.
Speaking at the occasion, India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, stated, “Once you become a judge in democracy by voting and in the electoral process, this passion will come in your actions also. You will understand the power of democracy.”
“Today, the participation of our women in voting is more than that of men. Certainly more in at least 20 states. You (Rajkummar Rao) have shot in the area of Chhattisgarh, where the people are very low on the Human Development Index. There are also a few vulnerable tribal groups, which are a total of 75 in the country. We have made a difference because this is part of making the entire electoral roll inclusive and participatory. We will include all the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) as voters,” Kumar said.
The Chief Electoral Officer announced that elections are set to take place in five states, and in these states, the election commission has successfully registered 100% of voters.
“It is necessary for all young persons to immediately get into the habit of voting,” Rajiv Kumar said.
