Bhubaneswar: The Special Summary Revision of the Voters List for 2025 began in Odisha on Tuesday, marking the start of a month-long update process from October 29, 2024, to November 28, 2024, according to an official press release.
To raise awareness about the revision, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha organized a large-scale walkathon and Path Utsav.
Chief Electoral Officer R S Gopalan inaugurated the event by waving the flag as hundreds of students, holding placards, marched enthusiastically from Master Canteen Square to Ram Mandir in Bhubaneswar.
The students, accompanied by traditional music, showcased their commitment to encouraging voter registration and the finalization of the voters’ list.
Following the walkathon, a Path Utsav was held near Capital High School, with a host of dignitaries in attendance.
Among them were CEO R S Gopalan, Khordha Collector & District Magistrate Chanchal Rana, Additional Chief Electoral Officers Shatrughna Kar and Mihir Prasad Mohanty, Tokyo Paralympics Badminton Champion Pramod Bhagat, 2000-meter Paralympics race winner Kamalakant Nayak, transgender activist Sadhana Mishra, Khurda Additional District Magistrate Pratap Chandra Beura, and Deputy Electoral Officers Laxmikant Sahu and Padmaja Das.
During his address, CEO Gopalan stressed the importance of voter registration, urging all citizens aged 18 and above to register.
“Our main objective is to strengthen democracy by promoting voter awareness and achieving 100% participation in elections,” he stated.
Khordha District Collector Chanchal Rana added that democracy and elections are inseparable, with one depending on the other.
Athletes and social advocates also shared their insights, with Pramod Bhagat commending the initiative for enrolling young voters aged 18-19, and Kamalakanta Nayak emphasizing the need for an informed and fearless voter base to strengthen democracy. Transgender activist Sadhana Mishra expressed confidence that the outreach efforts would result in increased participation among women and youth.
The event also featured a quiz competition on Indian elections, organized by Khordha Deputy Collector Ananya Prusty, with prizes awarded by Additional District Magistrate Pratap Chandra Beura to students with correct answers.
The celebrations included a folk drama performance, a Rangoli competition, and a felicitation ceremony for the guests, highlighting the festive and inclusive approach to raising awareness on voter participation in the State.
