DK Shivakumar Highlights Power of Vote on International Day of Democracy
In Bengaluru, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar kicked off the Congress government’s ‘My Vote My Right’ campaign on Monday. He spoke at Vidhana Soudha to mark the International Day of Democracy, urging young people and students to embrace democratic values and build strong leadership skills.
Shivakumar stressed that "the ballot is stronger than the bullet." He pointed out how democracy has replaced monarchies with elected leaders running the show. "This voting power created leaders like Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and me," he said with a smile, connecting it directly to India’s vibrant democracy.
Did you know? The United Nations declared September 15 as International Day of Democracy back in 2007. It’s a global reminder of why our votes matter.
Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, Shivakumar shared a relatable story. He recalled how Arjuna felt helpless against enemies, but Lord Krishna assured him protection would come. "In the same way, your right to vote shields you in a democracy," he explained. He also celebrated India’s roots in democracy, noting how saint Basavanna established the Anubhava Mantapa 900 years ago to foster equality—making India the world’s largest democracy today.
In today’s cutthroat world, Shivakumar emphasized teaching leadership to the youth. "You can’t succeed without these skills. In politics, 49 is nothing, but 51 wins it all. Young people must grasp this," he advised, keeping his tone motivational and straightforward.
He drove home the value of every single vote with a real-life tale. Late leader Dhruvanarayan once won an election by just one vote because his opponent’s driver missed voting due to a delay. "This shows no vote is too small in democracy," Shivakumar said.
Shivakumar also looked back at a key moment in India’s voting history. During Rajiv Gandhi’s time as Prime Minister in 1988, the voting age dropped from 21 to 18. "I watched the heated Parliament debate," he shared. Opponents slammed Gandhi for handing votes to "kids who play games." But Gandhi fired back: "If we trust 18-year-olds with rifles at the border, why not with the power to vote?" This bold move tapped into the youth’s potential, Shivakumar noted proudly.
Finally, he outlined democracy’s four pillars: judiciary, legislature, executive, and media. "The judiciary corrects our errors, and media spotlights them. Yet, some still try to steal votes. That’s why Rahul Gandhi is leading the charge against vote fraud," he concluded, calling for everyone to protect this democratic foundation.
The ‘My Vote My Right’ campaign aims to spark awareness and empower the next generation. As India gears up for more elections, Shivakumar’s words remind us: your vote shapes the future.
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