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CEC Gyanesh Kumar visits alma mater in Lucknow, cautions students against consuming social media info
Gyanesh Kumar begins two-day Lucknow visit, interacts with students at Colvin Taluqdars’ College, says Indian EVMs not connected to internet, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, underlines the importance of first-time voters
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Chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday visited his alma mater Colvin Taluqdars’ College in Lucknow and advised students to verify the sources and authenticity of information before accepting or sharing it, particularly in today’s social media landscape.
“Before accepting any information, it is essential to check its source and verify its authenticity,” Kumar stated.
On the first day of his two-day visit to Lucknow, he discussed India’s democratic system, the electoral process, the reliability of electronic voting machines and the importance of first-time voters, according to an official statement.
He said Indian EVMs are manufactured by public sector companies and do not have internet, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Reflecting on his own student days in 1979, he shared fond memories of his teachers and school, highlighting their significant role in shaping his journey.
Recalling the period when he was preparing to go to the United States, Kumar said his mother’s wish and his attachment to the motherland motivated him to stay in India and pursue public service.
He subsequently cleared the civil services examination and began his administrative career in the Kerala cadre of the Indian Administrative Service. He said his journey in public service eventually led him to the role of chief election commissioner in the world’s largest democracy.
Highlighting the scale of India’s electoral exercise, Kumar said the country has around 100 crore (one billion) voters and conducting elections for such a vast electorate was itself a massive task.
Kumar stated that a large number of officials and employees work to ensure the electoral process runs smoothly.
He encouraged young people to actively engage in the democratic process and referred to Article 326 of the Constitution while urging students who have reached the age of 18 to register as voters.
The commission provides voter registration facilities through its digital platforms, he said.
Kumar also implored young people to not only become voters themselves but also to encourage their family members and peers to participate in elections.
“Young people are the most important force behind the democratic future of the country. If they participate in the electoral process with awareness, democracy will become stronger,” he said.
“Specifically, I am here to address our booth level officers (BLOs), who serve as the bedrock of our country’s democracy. Additionally, programmes will be held across the universities and schools of Uttar Pradesh to explain the election process and emphasize the transparency of the entire system. With these words, I once again extend my greetings to all the voters,” he said while talking to the press about his visit to the state capital.
“After many years, I have returned to Lucknow, my place of work, to deliver a message to the voters of Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow meri tapobhumi rahi hai aur karmabhoomi bhi,” he said.
