New electors get EPIC during Voters Day celebrations

Distribution of Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to first-time voters and honouring voter enrolment efforts and best practices of officers marked the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations called by the Election Commission of India in Puducherry on Sunday (January 25, 2026).

The underlying mission of the celebrations was to encourage young prospective voters and first-time voters to participate effectively in the electoral process and to create awareness for 100% voter turnout.

The theme for this year was ‘My India, My Vote’. Speaking on the National Voters’ Day at Kamban Kalai Arangam, Chief Electoral Officer P. Jawahar cautioned first time voters against unfair electoral practices.

“Voter inducement is a perennial issue and one of the constant thorns in the conduct of elections in Puducherry. Young voters should not fall for it since it is not the right thing to do. If you fall for this, you might lose your right to ask questions which is the essence of any democracy,” he said.

Mr. Jawahar also emphasized on the dangers of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms. He said the Elections Department had started ‘Meiporul’ initiative to disseminate truth. First time voters should be aware of misinformation especially during elections since any misinformation spread will be amplified by social media algorithms.

A. Kulothungan, District Collector, P. Thillaivel and M. Kandasamy, Deputy CEOs participated. In keeping with the custom of awarding the best electoral practices, the following officers and staff were selected for the State award under the following categories:

The Best ERO Award was given to Ankit Kumar, Regional Administrator, Yanam; A. Kumaran, Deputy Collector, Revenue (South), S. Savoundary, Block Development Officer, Ariyankuppam and K. Arunagirinathan, Block Development Officer, Karaikal in recognition of their services in election management and voter awareness.

The Special Recognition Award for Overall Coordination was presented to Buddhi Akhil and M. Adharsh, Joint Chief Electoral Officers, and A. Sivagnana Ganesan, Programmer, Elections Department.

The Special Award – Media Coordinator was conferred on I. Ganapathy, Public Relations Officer, Directorate of Information and Publicity, Puducherry, for coordination of media outreach and voter awareness campaigns.

Democracy on Wheels, a mobile voter education and awareness initiative aimed at reaching citizens in remote and underserved areas of the U.T. was also launched on the occasion.

Mr. Jawahar also administered the Voters’ Day pledge to reaffirm commitment to ethical and responsible voting.