The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended the National Voters’ Day Celebrations today (January 25, 2014) at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said through increased participation, the electoral process and democracy in India would continue to grow in strength and vibrancy. Enthusiastic participation of people in the electoral process is the key to healthy democracy. He called upon all eligible citizens to register as voters and vote with pride in every election. He stated that it is fundamental right of citizens and they should exercise it.

The President said that our representative bodies embody the hopes and aspirations of the people while at the same time also serving as a platform to echo their grievances. It is in these bodies that the people repose their faith to advance their common agenda of growth and social advancement. While their responsiveness to public needs is assessed by the people on a continual basis, they are called to account through the medium of elections. He stated that it is only by the conduct of free, fair and participative elections that our democracy has become in many ways, the most vibrant in the world.

This release issued at 1905 hrs.