In the run-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, a group of IIT Guwahati students have renewed ‘Wake Up and Vote’ campaign to raise voter awareness. First launched in 2014 in the wake of the general elections, the campaign is a part of IIT Guwahati’s annual techno-management festival called Techniche.
Techniche aims to educate people of their right to vote by releasing photos, videos, blogs as well as catchy snippets. The blog provides information such as how to register to vote, how to check your information in the voters’ list, how you’re supposed to cast your vote and where does your polling booth lie in the constituency.
Suraj Shelke, the convener of Techniche 2019, told InUth,
“Techniche has taken up this cause multiple times in the past. The 2014 general elections and the 2016 Assam state elections witnessed an enthralling campaign that significantly impacted their respective turnouts. This year, we plan to raise the bar only further with renewed vigour and sincere efforts. We persist in our continued belief that the triumph of a democracy is in the number of people who are willing to be a part of it.”
Techniche has also roped in a slew of celebrities to expand the reach of their campaign, including Telugu actress Raashi Khanna, Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sonal Mansingh and Arjuna awardee Anju Bobby George.
According to Shelke, the campaign now has transitioned into its final phase, with in-city campaigns to prompt urban voters of Guwahati, employing street plays, flash mobs, as well as, signature and selfie campaigns.
The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will take place from April 11 to May 19, with polling in Assam taking place in three phases.
