110 AC Sweep Strategy – Election Awareness Campaign
The objective of the Election Commission of India was that “No voter should be left behind”.
We began by exploring why people abstain from voting and figure out a way we can motivate them to vote. We understood that different sections of voters have different views and expectations, so we had to cover them independently.
We visited five Badaga Villages & two tribal Villages. We also visited two colleges and spent some time in Coonoor town.
This is the thought process we followed:
Objective: Make the voters buy into the importance of voting and to vote ethically
To make them open up and talk freely, we decided to engage them through some entertaining activity and make them express their views. The nice thing was that every single person had an opinion and voiced it. They also understood that if they want their needs fulfilled they need to vote for the right person.
Primary emphasis was on first time voters – to set the right attitude towards voting and to become responsible citizens.
As they voiced their views and decision to vote we captured it on video and created little snippets which is now being shared on various media so it motivates others.
So when everybody decides to vote 100 % nobody gets left behind.
To view all the Videos that LLA helped create for the Elections Awareness Programme, do visit: Election Campaign Outreach – Election 2019 – Voter’s Voice – I will Vote 100%
Here is what some of the students had to say,
I was never into politics. Everyone’s got an agenda and someone or the other’s always trying to promote their party. But it was good that we focused on getting people to vote rather than talk about who to vote for. In addition, being a part of this project got me thinking about politics and political matters that concern the citizens and so on.
Another aspect of my experience was the journalistic approach we had to take in documenting the voice of the people. To be sensitive to the right kind of information and create content that stimulates thought. Being a part of Light and Life Academy is what gave me the opportunity to be a part of this project. Visiting the villages and interacting with the people is what I enjoyed the most!
– Tanjul Sarkar
We learn every time we do something and this time was no different! I don’t know Tamil but was able to read off the people’s emotion and see that they displayed urgency in matters of the government and really believed in voting for a good one. Even at Providence College, the women were very aware of what the citizens needed and were willing to take a stand for it. All these qualities in any citizen may ultimately result in a better government!
– Divyank Sachdeva