In a vibrant push to bolster democratic participation, Thane's election authorities have turned to street theatre to engage citizens ahead of the crucial municipal polls. A specially curated street play was performed at Dativali Lake, falling under the Diva Ward Committee's jurisdiction, as part of a broader campaign to maximize voter turnout.
Art Meets Civic Duty: The Dativali Lake Initiative
This theatrical effort is a key component of the Systematic Voter's Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program. The election department is organizing multiple promotional events across various wards to create widespread awareness about the significance of voting. The play at Dativali Lake served as a creative medium to drive home the message of civic responsibility.
An official involved in the campaign stated that the play effectively communicated the importance of voting and outlined the role of a responsible voter in the democratic process. The core message urges citizens to exercise their franchise on January 15, the date of the forthcoming Thane civic elections.
Beyond the Stage: Reaching Citizens in Daily Life
The awareness drive extended far beyond the lake's performance. To ensure the message permeated all sections of society, SVEEP teams proactively approached citizens at everyday locations. This included educating people at petrol pumps, banks, and bustling vegetable markets about their voting rights and the impact of their vote.
Engaging the Youth: Schools and the 'Voting Rights' App
Recognizing the importance of young and future voters, the SVEEP team also conducted visits to numerous schools across Thane city. During these sessions, students and teachers were informed about the 'Voting Rights' mobile application, a digital tool designed to facilitate the electoral process. Students actively participated in a voting awareness round, becoming young ambassadors to help percolate the importance of voting among local residents and their families.
This multi-pronged approach—combining traditional street theatre, on-ground engagements at public spots, and school outreach—demonstrates a concerted effort by the election machinery to significantly increase the voting percentage in the upcoming municipal elections. The success of these initiatives will be measured by the voter turnout on January 15.
