New Delhi: India’s cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar has been recognised as Election Commission of India’s (ECI) national icon for voter awareness and education.
The man who owns most of the batting records in world cricket signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) at an event here on Wednesday.
Chief election commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, along with election commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel were present at the event.
The aim is to encourage greater voter participation in the electoral process.
“This collaboration would mark a significant step towards leveraging Sachin Tendulkar’s unparalleled impact with the youth for increasing voters’ participation in the forthcoming elections, especially in general elections (to Lok Sabha), 2024,” the Election Commission said in a statement.
Speaking on the occasion, Tendulkar highlighted the importance and significance of voting.
“We are the largest democracy in the world, and it is our prime responsibility to exercise our voting rights with due diligence… It is a responsibility that should not be ignored. Everyone should be aware of when the elections are happening and when is that window to go out and vote,” Tendulkar said.
“India is the youngest average age nation in the world… Can we say that we are a responsible nation in the world when it comes to voting? The honest answer would be No… As an Indian, I would like people to say that India is the youngest average age nation in the world but along with that the most responsible nation in the world when it comes to casting a vote,” observed the 50-year-old Tendulkar.
“When you cast your vote, it is the reflection of what we collectively want for this nation,” the former cricketer said.
“When we talk about ECI. Some numbers came to my mind. 600 million voters were there. 10 million personnel and policemen were deployed. I think the number can be improved… It is heartening to know polling stations are every 2 km away from any given residence in our country which is a mammoth job,” Tendulkar added.
The Election Commission has been selecting renowned Indians from various fields by designating them as its ‘national icons’ to motivate voters for participation in the electoral process.
ECI had recognised actor Pankaj Tripathi as a national icon last year. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, former Team India captain MS Dhoni, actor Aamir Khan and champion boxer Mary Kom were the national icons.
