While the city is getting ready for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections with flags, posters and campaigns, a group of youths has come up with a unique and laudable initiative, ‘Vandemataram ride’. The programme, a motorcycle rally, focuses only on youths, for seeking their help to build a strong nation.
Aimed at creating awareness among the youth on the importance of their vote for a better India, 29 youngsters from as many states are riding to all the state capitals. The team hopes to reach out to maximum number of youths and motivate them to step out of their homes and vote on the election day. The ride that started from Mumbai on March 15 reached Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday to a warm welcome. A campaign was organised by the team along with the support of certain local organisations near Kanakakkunnu Palace that drew a huge crowd.
Covering around 15,000 kilometres, the motorcycle campaign will conclude in Delhi. During the ride the team members meet and energise youths to ensure their participation in the election. The Vandemataram team has in it professionals from various fields, including those who have taken up riding only recently. Bikers display promotional placards throughout their journey.
In Thiruvananthapuram, the team addressed students in colleges to spread awareness on voting to motivate them to exercise their franchise. According to the organisers, it is a non-political initiative. “We want to strengthen democracy and facilitate good governance. People must select a candidate who is not corrupt. We should try to bring in change which can be possible only with the support of youths. We want young minds to get exposed to reality and to take part in the coming election rather than enjoy the polling day as a holiday,” said the Vandemataram team.