Gurugram: As part of a photo exhibition on ‘Celebrating Democracy’ at the Museo Camera an engaging conversation between school children and an expert panel was organised around the topic of ‘Should there be Compulsory Voting?’
Eleven children from a range of schools and colleges from grades 9 to 2nd year college presented their viewpoints.
Mr. SY Qureshi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India shared anecdotes from his own tenure. He felt that mandatory voting was neither feasible nor desirable, and instead non-coercive measures to educate, encourage and empower should be undertaken, which he himself had also done during his own stint.
Shri Suparno Satpathy , noted socio-political leader and Chairman SNSMT (Smt. Nandini Satpathy Memorial Trust), shared his thoughts and views based on his own experience in politics and his long association with several political leaders including his grandmother, former Minister attached to PM of India as well as former Chief Minister of Odisha legendary Smt. Nandini Satpathy
Shri. Satpathy suggested that incentivising of voting by Election Commissions might be a successful way of increasing voters. He also spoke about the power of one vote
Prerit Rana, CEO Agrasar encouraged children to think and reflect deeply on the meaning of ‘free’ and ‘compulsory.’ ‘Free’ from what, he asked? Not just free of fear and the ability to make independent decisions, but also free and easy to access.
Prof. Amna Mirza, encouraged the children to think about the gaps that exist between theory and reality in the voting system in India.
Prof. Jagdeep Chhokar, Founding Member of ADR (Association of Democratic Reforms), gave the closing remarks. He praised the children for their efforts.
