New Delhi: Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections due this summer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said casting vote is a sacred duty and those who do not use the democratic right should feel the “pain” of not exercising their franchise. In his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio address, he also hailed the role of the Election Commission for its “meticulous organising abilities ” in holding polls. He pointed out that those born in the 21st century will cast their vote for the first time in the Lok Sabha polls,reports PTI.
“They face the opportunity to shoulder responsibilities pertaining to the country. They have embarked upon the journey of being partners in nation building. The time has come for a confluence of individual dreams and the nation’s dream,” he said.
He urged the youth to register themselves as voters, if they are eligible.
“All of us must realise that being a voter, earning the right to vote is an important rite of passage in one’s life, it’s one of its achievements. Simultaneously, the sentiment that voting is our sacred duty, should grow within us naturally. For any reason, if one is not able to vote, it should pain one,” he said.
He said those who are unable to vote should feel saddened to witness any wrong taking place in the country. “I had not cast my vote … that day I did not go and vote … and as a result, my country has borne the brunt,” he said explaining the feeling.
Referring to youth and space technology, the PM said, India’s space programme has been possible due to innumerable young scientists of the country. He pointed out that satellites developed by students and sounding rockets have reached space.
