Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, revered as a national treasure, has taken on a new mantle as he signs a pivotal three-year contract with the Election Commission. The momentous decision, orchestrated to invigorate youth engagement in the electoral process, was formalised in Delhi after a series of comprehensive discussions.
The signing ceremony, held at Rang Bhawan, Akashvani, in New Delhi, was attended by esteemed figures, including Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar and Election Commissioner Mr. Anup Chandra Pandey. The accord, undertaken in the spirit of nurturing democratic principles, marks a significant step towards encouraging the active participation of India’s youth in the electoral arena.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tendulkar shared his enthusiasm for his new role, equating it to his second innings representing the country. Acknowledging India’s status as the world’s largest democracy, he emphasised the integral role elections play in shaping the nation’s trajectory. With fervour, he voiced his delight in contributing to this endeavour and emphasised the collective responsibility to further the nation’s progress through the power of voting.
“I am batting for India in my second innings as well,” Tendulkar asserted. “Elections are integral in a democratic country. Voting is our responsibility. So it is a pleasure to represent India. We all have to come together to make India better. So we should work together in voting too.”
This initiative is a continuation of the Election Commission’s strategy to spotlight prominent individuals as national icons in a bid to elevate voter awareness and participation. Notably, last year, acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi was designated a national icon. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, eminent personalities such as MS Dhoni, Aamir Khan, and Mary Kom also took on this pivotal role, contributing to the commission’s mission to educate voters and promote informed decision-making.
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