16th NVD celebrated with enthusiasm across Distt Kishtwar

Kishtwar : The 16th National Voters’ Day (NVD) 2025 was celebrated with great fervour across District Kishtwar including District, Sub-Divisional, Tehsil and Block levels to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India.
The theme for National Voters’ Day 2025 was “My India, My Vote,” with the tagline “Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.”
To mark the occasion, an awareness rally was flagged off by the District Election Officer (Deputy Commissioner), Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, from the Mini Secretariat (New DC Office Complex) to Government Degree College (GDC) Kishtwar, reflecting the spirit and message of the NVD theme.
A grand function was organised at GDC Kishtwar by the District Administration Kishtwar in collaboration with the Election Department Kishtwar.
The event was presided over by Pankaj Kumar Sharma, DEO (DC), Kishtwar, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
In his welcome address, Deputy District Election Officer, Kishtwar, Shahzada Noor-ul-Keen highlighted the significance of National Voters’ Day in strengthening democratic participation.
District Social Welfare Officer, Kishtwar, Tariq Parvaiz Qazi briefed the audience on special facilities available for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to ensure inclusive and accessible voting.
State Level Master Trainer (Elections) Tariq Tapal (Teacher) shared valuable insights on youth voter registration and encouraged young citizens to enroll themselves as voters.
A video presentation showcasing the journey of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 and Assembly Elections 2024 in District Kishtwar was also screened, highlighting the efforts of the administration and the Election Cell.
Student speakers from various schools and colleges, including Aakil Mushtaq Sheikh, Sejal Shan and Suhana Malik spoke on the theme of National Voters’ Day.
A vibrant Dogri folk cultural performance was presented by students of New Era Public High School, Kishtwar, adding colour to the celebrations.
A Voters’ Pledge was administered by the District Election Officer (DC), Pankaj Kumar Sharma to newly enrolled voters and other participants.
The Deputy Commissioner, while addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 16th National Voters’ Day, said that the day is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the Election Commission of India and to encourage young voters to register and participate in the democratic process.
The DC highlighted that voter awareness programs are being conducted across the district to sensitize citizens about their voting rights, reiterating that even a single vote can play a decisive role in the formation of governments and in strengthening democracy.
A felicitation ceremony was also held to honour officers, officials, media persons and other participants for their exemplary performance and contributions during the electoral process.
Similar National Voters’ Day celebrations were organised across all Sub-Divisions, Tehsils and Blocks of District Kishtwar, reinforcing the message of inclusive, informed and responsible voting.
The main program at the GDC was attended by ADC Kishtwar (ERO 49-Kishtwar), Pawan Kotwal; PO ICDS Kishtwar, Dr. Rishi Kumar Sharma; ACR Kishtwar (ERO-48 Inderwal), Idrees Lone; ACD Kishtwar, Manoj Kumar; ACP Kishtwar, Neeraj Sharma; Dy. DEO Kishtwar, Shahzada Noor-ul-Keen; DSWO Kishtwar, Tariq Parveaz Qazi; CDPO Inderwal, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar; BDO Kishtwar, Ravi Kumar; CEO Kishtwar, Sanjay Dogra; BDO Nagseni, Subhash Thakur; DIO NIC Kishtwar, Faizal Khan; AC Legal Metrology Kishtwar, Anil Gupta; AO DC Office Kishtwar besides staff from Election Cell Kishtwar, students, teachers and others.