Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 12 April 2024
In an effort to bolster voter engagement and maximise participation in the forthcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024, the General Observer for Andaman and Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency, Mr. Brajesh Narain Singh, IAS, revealed ‘MEGHA’ as the Nicobar District Election Mascot. The unveiling took place on April 11, 2024, at Edward Kuchat Park, Car Nicobar, amidst the presence of Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, District Election Officer of Nicobar District, and Mr. Piyush Singh, AC (HQ), along with other dignitaries.
‘MEGHA,’ the chosen mascot, represents the distinctive Nicobar Megapode Bird, renowned for its unique nesting habits. Similar to its megapode counterparts, this bird constructs sizeable mound nests using soil and vegetation, relying on the heat generated by decomposition to hatch its eggs.
During the event, Mr. Brajesh Narain Singh, IAS, engaged with first-time voters and enthusiastically took selfies with them at the designated ‘MEGHA’ Selfie Point. In his address, he underscored the significance of voting in Indian democracy, emphasising its pivotal role in the nation’s development. Furthermore, he urged attendees to motivate local tribes for active participation in the upcoming General Election-2024.
Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (N), echoed Mr. Singh’s sentiments, urging residents to step forward and partake in the electoral process. She expressed confidence that the district mascot, ‘MEGHA,’ would permeate every corner of the island, driving voter turnout to a commendable 100%.
As part of the outreach efforts, pamphlets featuring the mascot were distributed among the local populace and tribal leaders to amplify awareness and encourage voter registration.
Moreover, the District Administration Nicobar organised a prize distribution ceremony at Priyadarshini Hall to honour winners of various activities, cultural programs, and sports conducted under the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) initiative. Mr. Brajesh Narain Singh emphasised the pivotal role of youth in educating and mobilising the local community for active participation in Indian democracy.
Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (Nicobar), reiterated the administration’s commitment to conducting diverse programs across all subdivisions under the SVEEP activity, aiming to foster civic engagement and democratic participation among residents.
The selection of ‘MEGHA’ as the district mascot not only aims to generate widespread publicity but also serves as a catalyst for increased voter engagement, aligning with the broader objective of achieving 100% voter turnout in Nicobar District for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election.