Happy to be part of democratic process, say student volunteers

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Mohali, May 19

For two students of St Soldier International Convent School, Phase 7, Mohali, it was a different Sunday. Simrat Singh Sehgal (15) and Raghav Bedi (16), both students of Class 11, spent the entire day at the polling booth where they volunteered to help elderly voters to cast their ballot.

“We aren’t qualified to be an eligible voter, but we are happy to be a part of the democratic process. We could have chosen to sit at home, but it’s about the country’s future,” they said.

The students were also assisting voters in checking their names in the voters’ list. The students reached the booth around 6 am and supported polling officials.

When an elderly couple came out of its car in front of the school, they rushed for help and offered them water.

A student volunteer said: “We are happy being a part of the democratic process. It is an excellent opportunity for us to learn. We helped the needy people.”

Elderly voters more enthusiastic

In the early hours of voting, elderly voters were more eager to exercise their franchise. At a polling booth in Phase 7, they came out in a large number to celebrate the ‘Festival of Democracy’. Despite all odds, they beat their younger counterparts. An 82-year-old man, who wished not to be named due to his political affiliation, said: “Most of the voters at this polling booth live in the nearby kothis. Their family members are settled in foreign, compelling them to live alone.” Giving example of his family, he said: “My family too has 8 eligible voters. But only me and my wife have exercised the franchise.”