“Democracy on Wheels” Campaign Launched to Foster Electoral Awareness Among Youth

Srinagar : In a groundbreaking step to promote democratic awareness and active civic participation among students, Cluster University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Election Commission of India and the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, UT of J&K, launched the IEC Van “Democracy on Wheels”. The campaign, the first of its kind in the region, commenced from GGM Science College, Jammu, signaling a major initiative in voter education and youth engagement.
The campaign is being monitored by Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, and Mr. Akhter Hussain Qazi (JKAS), Nodal Officer (SVEEP), UT of J&K. The launch event was formally conducted by Prof. (Dr.) Romesh Kumar Gupta, Principal of GGM Science College, in the presence of senior faculty members including Dr. M. S. Saini, Dr. Ashaq Hussain (Associate Dean, DSW and University Nodal Officer for Election Awareness), Prof. Chaman Lal, Prof. Pankaj Gupta, Prof. Altaf Ahmed, and members of the college’s SVEEP Committee.
Welcoming the initiative, Prof. (Dr.) Romesh Kumar Gupta stated, that our students are tomorrow’s leaders. Hosting this campaign helps instill democratic values and a strong sense of civic duty. We aim to encourage them not only to be aware but to become ambassadors of democracy within their communities. In his message, Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor ClUJ, emphasized, that India’s democracy thrives on the participation of its youth. This campaign is a step towards nurturing informed citizens who understand and value their role in shaping the nation’s democratic future. Echoing this vision, Mr. Akhter Hussain Qazi (JKAS) added, that SVEEP is committed to strengthening electoral literacy across all sections of society. The Democracy on Wheels initiative reflects our resolve to engage young voters and spread the message that every vote counts and every voice matters.”
Dr. Ashaq Hussain, University Nodal Officer for the campaign highlighted that the campaign is about turning awareness into action. The specially equipped IEC Van, fitted with LED displays, will visit various colleges affiliated with Cluster University. It will showcase educational videos and digital content on the voting process, the importance of electoral participation, and democratic values. He further added that the “Democracy on Wheels” campaign will continue its outreach in the coming weeks, in line with the objectives of the SVEEP program, aimed at enhancing electoral engagement and building a culture of participative democracy through education and outreach.