New Delhi, October 26, 2023 : Renowned actor Rajkummar Rao today took on a new role – that of ‘National Icon’ for voter awareness and education for the Election Commission of India. An MoU was signed with the “Newton” star for a period of 3 years at an event
organized at New Delhi in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Shri Anup Chandra Pandey and Shri Arun Goel.
Sh.Rajkummar Rao, known for his commitment to meaningful cinema and
social causes, shared his appreciation for the election officials who in spite of
various challenges conduct elections and ensure that no voter is left behind.
While expressing concern on the apathy of youth and urban voters towards the electors process, he said that “Our collective voice, expressed through our
votes, has the power to form a participative democracy’’. Youth is one the
biggest stakeholder in this democratic process and urged them to become
agents of positive transformation through their vote.
CEC Shri Kumar said “From dazzling audiences on the big screen in various
movies, Rajkummar Rao is now taking his star power off-screen to promote an
even bigger production: Voter awareness in Elections. His role as Newton, the
election officer, truly hit home with the essence of democratic challenges in a
Naxal-affected state, making him the perfect choice for the Election
Commission. This collaboration aims to harness the influence and popularity
of Mr. Rajkummar Rao to encourage citizens, especially youth across the
nation to actively participate in the electoral process.”
While urging youth to actively participate in elections CEC Shri Kumar said “
Once you associate with the electioneering process, you will understand the
intrinsic power of democracy and value of your vote”. He appealed to
influencers from all walks of life including the media to promote the importance
of voting and in pushing up the voter turnout in forthcoming elections.
Election Commissioner Shri Arun Goel while highlighting the issue of urban
and youth apathy towards elections said that collaboration with Shri
RajKummar Rao would be fruitful in bringing about behavioral and attitudinal
change and nudging urban youth to actively participate in the elections.
