HIRD Director, Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan urges Youth to be Aware of Their Voting Rights and Actively Participate in Nation Building

Asandh, January 25, 2026: The Constitution of India is one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. The framers of the Constitution granted equal voting rights to every adult citizen without discrimination based on caste, color, religion, or gender, which is a testament to their foresight. These views were shared by Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD). He was addressing the students at a program organized at Geeta Vidya Mandir School, Rahra, on Saturday.

Principal Mahendra Singh and the village Sarpanch representative, Master Surendra Singh Rana, welcomed Dr. Chauhan with a bouquet of flowers. Students and villagers enthusiastically participated in the program organized on the occasion of National Voters' Day.

Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan said that even America, which is called the oldest democracy in the world, could not grant voting rights to all its citizens in its initial years. It took several decades for Black people and women to get the right to vote there, while in India, this right was granted to all citizens with the establishment of the Republic.

HIRD Director said that the youth are the greatest strength of the country's democracy. If the youth are aware of their voting rights and participate actively, both the direction and condition of the country can be strengthened. He appealed to the students to spread awareness about voting in their families and society and contribute to nation-building by becoming responsible citizens. He said that along with the rights granted by the Constitution, it is also the responsibility of every Indian to fulfill their civic duties.

Dr. Chauhan appealed to the citizens to understand the importance of their voting rights, get their voter ID card made as soon as they turn 18, and vote in every election without fail. He said that the success of democracy depends on maximum public participation, so every voter should inspire others to vote as well. He also urged them to resolve to use Hindi, the official language of India, more often, suggesting that they could start by signing in Hindi.

In the end, Sarpanch representative Master Surendra Singh Rana expressed his gratitude. He said that such awareness programs develop an understanding of democratic values among students. Panchayat members Rinkle Rana, Subhash Rana, Randeep Singh Rana, Master Sunil Sharma, Jai Prakash Sharma, Mamta Rani, Subhash Rana, Jasbir Rana, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.