New Delhi: In a move aimed at enhancing voter participation and engagement in the electoral process, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar is set to be designated as a “national icon” by the Election Commission of India (EC). The announcement was made through an official statement from the commission, revealing plans for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Tendulkar and the EC on Wednesday.
Master Blaster, Cricket Legend & Bharat Ratna Awardee #SachinTendulkar
will begin a new innings tomorrow in his role as National Icon for the Election Commission.Details : https://t.co/FPT6fSpFgP pic.twitter.com/OAJmXJ8qQO
— Spokesperson ECI (@SpokespersonECI) August 22, 2023
Under the terms of the three-year agreement, Tendulkar will take on the role of spreading awareness about the importance of voting and active civic participation. The EC expressed its enthusiasm for this collaboration, highlighting Tendulkar’s unparalleled influence, particularly among the youth, and his potential to boost voter engagement, especially in the upcoming general elections in 2024.
“This collaboration would mark a significant step towards leveraging Tendulkar’s unparalleled impact with the youth for increasing voters’ participation in the forthcoming elections, especially in general elections (to Lok Sabha), 2024,” the EC said in a statement.
The partnership between the cricketing legend and the EC aims to address two pressing challenges: urban apathy and youth disinterest in voting. By utilising Tendulkar’s widespread appeal and iconic status, the EC hopes to foster a sense of responsibility and civic duty among India’s youth population.
This strategic approach of aligning with well-respected figures from various fields as “national icons” has been a cornerstone of the EC’s voter awareness campaigns. In the past, the commission has collaborated with distinguished individuals such as actor Pankaj Tripathi and prominent personalities like MS Dhoni, Aamir Khan, and Mary Kom, designating them as national icons to inspire and motivate citizens to actively participate in the democratic process.
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