In a creative blend of tradition and civic duty, Mandya district in Karnataka is weaving voter awareness into the fabric of the Ganesha festival. Under the ‘Young Ganesha’ initiative, eco-friendly celebrations are doubling as a platform to energize young voters and clean up electoral rolls.

  • EPICs symbolically distributed to newly registered voters after Special Intensive Revision-2026
  • Over 1,000 new voter applications received so far
  • 1.60 lakh bogus, duplicate, or deceased names removed from rolls

Blending Festivity with Responsibility

Deputy Commissioner Kumar emphasized that celebrating with clay idols—not Plaster of Paris—protects the environment. But the message runs deeper: young voters, he says, carry a vital role in democracy. The ‘Young Ganesha’ concept aims to catch their attention amid the festivities, reminding them that voting is both a right and a duty.

Innovative Outreach Efforts

Zilla Panchayat CEO K.R. Nandini, who chairs the district SVEEP Committee, explained that the team is moving beyond conventional methods. Recently, a singing competition at Mandya University featured a song about the electoral revision process—written and composed by a differently abled student. That piece is now the official SVEEP awareness song for Mandya.

“Our objective is to ensure that no eligible young voter is left out and to prepare a healthy and clean electoral roll,” Dr. Kumar said.

A Clear Call to Action

Through rangoli, symbolic EPIC distributions, and community events, the message is consistent: “My right, my responsibility, my vote — I will register.” The effort is part of a broader SVEEP campaign that also includes ‘SVEEP Gauri’ activities, ensuring the festival season leaves a lasting civic impression.