Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on January 25 emphasised the role of informed and active citizens in strengthening India’s democratic framework, calling for greater civic awareness and responsible participation in the electoral process.

He was addressing the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations at the APJ Abdul Kalam Extension Centre Auditorium here. This year’s theme was “My India, My Vote”, with the tagline “Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy”.

Highlighting the significance of the theme, the Lt Governor said democracy begins not merely in institutions but with the conscious participation of every voter. He underlined that each vote plays a decisive role in shaping the nation’s development priorities and future direction.

Commending the people of Ladakh for their unwavering faith in democracy despite the region’s challenging geographical conditions, he said the Union Territory stood as a strong example of democratic commitment, proving that difficult terrain could never weaken democratic spirit.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the Lt Governor said the true strength of democracy lay in public participation, particularly through voting. He urged youth to engage actively in the democratic process, describing young voters as not just participants of the present but architects of India’s future.

Addressing first-time voters, Kavinder Gupta expressed confidence in the younger generation’s ability to shoulder nation-building responsibilities. He said the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 would largely depend on today’s youth, especially in Ladakh, which acquired a distinct administrative identity in 2019.

The Lt Governor stressed that development in Ladakh must go hand in hand with preservation of its unique culture, traditions and fragile environment. He called upon youth to work towards making Ladakh modern, prosperous and self-reliant while safeguarding its ecological and cultural heritage.

Appealing to all eligible citizens, he urged active participation in the electoral roll purification process and encouraged new voters who had attained the age of 18 to register themselves through the concerned Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

He expressed gratitude to the Election Commission of India, district administration, BLOs, volunteers and security forces for ensuring free, fair and smooth electoral processes in the region. Concluding his address, the Lt Governor called for a collective pledge to vote, inspire others to do so, uphold democratic values, and work towards an inclusive and empowered Viksit Bharat.

Earlier, the Lt Governor virtually inaugurated the 16th National Voters’ Day special camp stall at Main Market, Leh, distributed EPIC cards to 10 first-time voters, and announced a grant of ₹10 lakh to PAGIR for the welfare of persons with disabilities.

Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra described National Voters’ Day as a special occasion celebrating democracy. Recalling India’s choice of democracy after Independence, he commended the Election Commission for conducting impartial elections and acknowledged the crucial role played by election officials in strengthening the electoral system.

Stressing that every vote counts, he highlighted the importance of voter enrolment, particularly among first-time voters. He directed the School and Higher Education Departments to conduct voter registration campaigns in schools and colleges and urged citizens to exercise their franchise.

State election icons—renowned singer and actor Phonsok Ladakhi, filmmaker Stanzin Dorjey Gya, and Tsewang Dorjey from PAGIR—also shared their experiences and efforts in encouraging voter participation during the Lok Sabha elections.

Deputy Commissioner Leh, who is also the District Election Officer, delivered the welcome address. The voters’ pledge was administered on the occasion, and cultural performances by the Shawa Musical Band added colour to the event.

Administrative Secretary Bhanu Prabha, ADC Leh Ghulam Mohd, DIHAR scientist Nilesh Sharma, Booth Level Officers, first-time voters and senior officials were among those present.