Poonch, Sept 16: In a commendable effort to boost electoral participation and educate the community about their democratic responsibilities, the District Election Authority (DEA) of Poonch, spearheaded by District Election Officer (DEO) Vikas Kundal, hosted an exhilarating exhibition cricket match at the Sports Stadium in Poonch. This event was part of the broader Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program aimed at fostering voter awareness and engagement.

The event was graced by Chief Education Officer Lal Hussain, who also serves as the Nodal Officer for SVEEP. As the chief guest, Hussain took time to engage with the young cricketers, administering a voting pledge that underscored the significance of active participation in elections. He emphasized that the objective of this initiative was to capture the interest of the youth and encourage them to exercise their fundamental right to vote. He eloquently drew parallels between sports and democracy, highlighting their shared principles of fair play, inclusivity, and teamwork.

The SVEEP program is dedicated to educating and motivating voters, particularly those who are casting their ballots for the first time. The exhibition cricket match stood out as an innovative method to reach young voters, seamlessly blending the excitement of sports with the gravity of democratic participation. By connecting with youth through cricket—a sport that holds a special place in their hearts—the event aimed to instill democratic values and responsibilities in an engaging and memorable way.

The match itself sparked significant enthusiasm among the local youth. Participants were thrilled to display their cricketing prowess while simultaneously gaining a deeper understanding of their voting rights and obligations. This dual focus on sports and civic education created an atmosphere of excitement and learning.

In addition to Lal Hussain, the event was attended by several notable figures, including District Sports Officer Mool Raj Uttam, Vijay Kumar ZEPO Poonch, Vijay Kumar Sharma, and Ravinder Singh. Their presence underscored the community-wide support for initiatives that promote electoral participation through innovative and engaging means.

This exhibition cricket match not only provided an avenue for athletic competition but also served as a powerful platform for voter education, reflecting the district’s commitment to nurturing informed and active citizens.