A Unique Initiative to Engage Parents through “Ek Paati Mata Pita Ke Naam” 

In an innovative drive to enhance electoral awareness among the citizens of Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, Kana Ram, IAS, the District Election Officer, led a distinctive election awareness campaign titled "Ek Paati Mata Pita Ke Naam" (A Letter to Parents). On April 16, 2024, from 9 AM to 1 PM, the campaign witnessed 81,222 students from all government and private schools across the district writing letters to their parents, encouraging them to vote. This initiative was part of the ongoing Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities, aimed at promoting informed and active participation in the democratic process. The "Ek Paati Mata Pita Ke Naam" campaign was a creative and personal approach to engage citizens in the democratic process. Under Kana Ram's leadership, the campaign focused on harnessing the influence of children over their parents to inspire a sense of civic duty. The initiative capitalized on the emotional bond between children and parents, using handwritten letters as a medium to convey the importance of voting in the upcoming elections.

The concept behind the campaign was simple yet powerful, if children could persuade their parents to participate in elections, it would not only increase voter turnout but also foster a culture of electoral participation that could be passed down through generations. With 81,222 students involved, the campaign successfully reached households across Hanumangarh. The initiative included students from both government and private schools, ensuring a broad and inclusive approach to voter awareness. The participation of students from diverse backgrounds highlighted the universal relevance of voting as a civic duty. The letters, written in the students’ own words, were heartfelt appeals to their parents, reminding them of the significance of casting their vote. This strategy aimed to make the electoral process a family conversation, bringing it into the homes of thousands of citizens who might otherwise be disengaged or unaware of their rights and responsibilities as voters.

 Leveraging SVEEP to Reach the Grassroots under the umbrella of SVEEP, the Election Commission of India’s flagship program, the campaign was designed to encourage voter participation and awareness at the grassroots level. SVEEP activities are aimed at promoting voter education, especially among those who are new to the process or have limited exposure to electoral norms. The campaign utilized the SVEEP framework to create an innovative model for engaging with the community. By focusing on the next generation—students—who can influence their families, the campaign aligned itself with SVEEP's objectives of enhancing voter education and ensuring higher voter turnout. The involvement of both government and private schools was a critical aspect of the campaign's success. Schools served as vital hubs for disseminating information about the importance of voting and democratic engagement. Teachers played a key role in guiding students on how to articulate their thoughts and feelings in the letters, ensuring that the message conveyed was both impactful and sincere.

This initiative not only educated students about their future roles as voters but also encouraged a dialogue between schools, families, and the community about the significance of electoral participation. It demonstrated how educational institutions could serve as catalysts for social change and civic education. By involving children in the process of voter awareness, the "Ek Paati Mata Pita Ke Naam" campaign aimed to instill democratic values from a young age. The letters written by the students were not mere exercises in writing; they were heartfelt messages that emphasized the importance of each vote in shaping the future of the country. This approach encouraged children to become ambassadors of democracy within their families, thus creating a multiplier effect that could significantly enhance voter turnout in the district. The "Ek Paati Mata Pita Ke Naam" campaign stands out for its innovative approach to voter awareness. By focusing on personal communication, it tapped into the power of emotional appeal to promote electoral participation. The strategy of using children as messengers for democracy not only raised awareness but also sparked conversations within families about the importance of voting.

This unique initiative has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the community. It encourages a culture of voting and civic participation that extends beyond the immediate electoral cycle. By nurturing informed, engaged citizens from a young age, the campaign contributes to a more vibrant and inclusive democracy. The success of the "Ek Paati Mata Pita Ke Naam" campaign has paved the way for future initiatives that could further strengthen voter education and engagement. There are plans to expand such activities to include other forms of creative expression, like debates, skits, and community events, to foster a more comprehensive understanding of electoral processes.

Moreover, the campaign has demonstrated the value of community-based approaches to voter education, suggesting that similar initiatives could be replicated in other districts of Rajasthan and across India. By combining the power of personal communication with the reach of institutional networks, such campaigns can effectively promote electoral participation on a large scale. The "Ek Paati Mata Pita Ke Naam" campaign, spearheaded by Kana Ram, IAS, represents a significant step forward in promoting voter awareness in Hanumangarh. Through a simple yet effective strategy of engaging students to communicate with their parents, the initiative has successfully enhanced electoral participation at the grassroots level. As the district continues to build on this success, it stands as a model for innovative voter education and engagement, contributing to the strength and vibrancy of India's democracy.