Silvester D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)
Kundapur, Apr 11: District sweep committee is extending a special invitation to 209 centenarian voters of the district to cast their votes in the polling which is scheduled to take place on May 10.
Deputy commissioner (DC) Kurma Rao flagged off the campaign by giving an invitation card to 101-year-old Alice, resident of Uppinakudru under Tallur gram panchayat limits on Saturday evening.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Rao said, “We have organized a special invitation campaign through the sweep committee and have invited a centenarian at Uppinakudru with first invitation and also felicitated her. This is a happy occasion.
“Election is a big festival in the democratic system of governance. She has participated in every election. Centenarian voters of this kind are a pride of our district. All the voters of Udupi district should take inspiration from this centenarian and participate in the polling. Ensure that your name is there in the voters’ list through helpline or booth officers,” he said.
Alice (101) was felicitated at the same time on behalf of district administration. Expressing happiness at the honour, Alice said, “I have casted vote every time after I attained the eligible age for voting. All have to participate in polling.”
Nishant, who is 19, is casting his vote for the first time. It is unique that the special invitation card was read by him.
DC Rao spoke cordially with centenarian Alice and asked her whether she knows who he is. He introduced himself as DC and also introduced zilla panchayat CEO. He also asked Alice to give a message to the voters of Udupi district to participate in polling. DC also asked her experience of so many years of casting vote and also asked her how she used to go to the polling booth. DC also informed Alice that this time around, she can cast her vote from her house itself. Alice replied to the DC in her own words.
Zilla panchayat CEO Prasanna H, Kundapur AC Rashmi S R, Kundapur tahsildar Sholaxmi, taluk panchayat CEO Mahesh Holla, Tallur gram panchayat PDO Nagaratna, VA Harish and BLO Narayan were present.