A Massive Campaign to Inspire Future Voters through "Mharo Helo" Initiative 

In a remarkable effort to foster electoral awareness among the youth, Rohitashva Singh Tomar, IAS, serving as the District Election Officer of Baran, Rajasthan, organized an extensive election awareness campaign titled "Mharo Helo." On April 22, 2024, from 9 AM to 10 AM, the campaign reached out to 1885 schools across the Baran District, engaging 104,907 students (52,066 boys and 52,841 girls) in a poster-making activity themed "Chalo Bot Daiba" (Let's Go Vote). This initiative was part of the ongoing Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities, a program dedicated to promoting informed and ethical voting.

The "Mharo Helo" campaign, which translates to "My Voice," was designed to reach young minds by using creativity as a medium to convey the importance of voting and democratic participation. Under the guidance of Rohitashva Singh Tomar, the campaign focused on inspiring school children to express their understanding of the voting process and the significance of exercising their democratic rights through art. The poster-making activity on April 22 was not just a one-time event but a strategic part of a broader initiative to instill democratic values in the next generation of voters. By engaging 1885 schools, the campaign ensured a widespread reach across the district, making a tangible impact on the children, their families, and the community at large. Uniting a District for a Common Cause the "Mharo Helo" initiative stands out for its scale and scope, demonstrating how community participation can be galvanized toward a common cause. Bringing together over 104,000 students across 1885 schools in a synchronized activity was no small feat. The effort was meticulously planned and executed under the leadership of Rohitashva Singh Tomar, who ensured that every school, regardless of its location, was included in the campaign.

The theme "Chalo Bot Daiba" was carefully chosen to resonate with the local population, blending the region’s cultural ethos with a powerful message of electoral participation. It aimed to foster a sense of civic duty and community involvement, emphasizing that voting is not just a right but also a responsibility that everyone must uphold.  Leveraging SVEEP for Enhanced Voter Education campaign was conducted under the aegis of SVEEP, a flagship program by the Election Commission of India, focused on voter education and awareness. SVEEP initiatives aim to educate citizens about the importance of voting, promote higher voter turnout, and ensure that the voting process is inclusive and participatory. Under the leadership of Rohitashva Singh Tomar, the "Mharo Helo" campaign leveraged the SVEEP framework to effectively communicate the significance of voting to the youth. By incorporating creative arts such as poster-making into the educational curriculum, the campaign provided a dynamic and interactive platform for students to learn about democracy and their future role in it.

The ripple effect of the "Mharo Helo" campaign has been substantial, creating a buzz across the district. Teachers, parents, and community leaders were actively involved in the planning and execution of the campaign, further reinforcing the message of electoral participation. The involvement of over 104,000 students meant that each child's engagement potentially influenced their family members, creating a broader culture of voter awareness and responsibility. Moreover, the campaign has set a precedent for how election awareness can be effectively promoted among the younger generation. By encouraging children to participate in electoral discussions early on, the initiative aims to produce informed, responsible citizens who understand the importance of voting and the impact it has on governance. A Visionary Approach to Democratic Participation to promoting electoral awareness through creative engagement is visionary.

As District Election Officer, he recognized the power of involving the younger generation in the electoral process from an early age. The "Mharo Helo" campaign is not just about increasing voter turnout in the short term; it is about nurturing a generation that values democracy, understands its rights and duties, and is committed to participating actively in the nation's electoral process.Looking ahead, there are plans to build upon the success of the "Mharo Helo" initiative. Rohitashva Singh Tomar and his team are exploring ways to sustain this momentum by organizing more interactive activities, such as debates, quizzes, and essay competitions on electoral themes. Additionally, efforts are underway to engage with local communities through digital platforms and social media, extending the reach of voter education to a broader audience. The initiative also aims to involve more stakeholders, including local businesses, NGOs, and community organizations, to create a more inclusive environment for promoting electoral participation. By expanding the scope of these activities, the campaign aspires to set a new benchmark for electoral awareness programs not just in Baran but across Rajasthan and India.