Shillong, January 25 : The State-level celebration of National Voters’ Day (NVD) 2026 was held today at Lok Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Meghalaya, amid enthusiastic participation from citizens, government officials, and youth volunteers.
The event was graced by Governor C.H. Vijayashankar as the Chief Guest, and Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS, as the Guest of Honour. The celebration was organised by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya, in line with the nationwide observance of the day.
This year’s theme, “My India, My Vote”, with the tagline “Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy”, underscores the pivotal role of citizens in strengthening democratic values through informed and ethical participation in elections.
As part of the celebration, a Democracy Run was organised to promote electoral awareness and civic engagement. The run, flagged off by Governor Vijayashankar in the presence of Chief Electoral Officer Dr. B.D.R. Tiwari, IAS, at Lok Bhavan, drew enthusiastic participation from hundreds of citizens, students, and officials.
The event aimed to inspire voters, particularly the youth and first-time voters, to take active part in shaping India’s democracy through their ballot.
Addressing the gathering, Governor C.H. Vijayashankar emphasised that the right to vote is a sacred responsibility and a cornerstone of democracy. He urged all citizens to exercise their franchise conscientiously, saying that “every vote strengthens the foundation of our nation and ensures that the voice of every citizen is heard.”
The Governor also commended the Election Commission of India and the State Election Department for their continued efforts in conducting free, fair, inclusive, and transparent elections.
The celebration featured the administration of the Voters’ Pledge, where participants reaffirmed their dedication to uphold the democratic spirit, promote voter awareness, and encourage ethical participation in the electoral process.
The event was attended by senior government officers, election officials, and representatives of political parties, reflecting Meghalaya’s collective commitment to democratic governance.
About National Voters’ Day : National Voters’ Day, observed every year on January 25, marks the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (1950). It serves as a nationwide reminder of the power and duty of every citizen to participate in the democratic process.
With this year’s vibrant celebrations, Meghalaya joined the rest of the country in reaffirming that “the strength of Indian democracy lies in the active participation of its citizens.”
