President's Address to the Nation on the Occasion of the Elections to the 14th Loksabha

<img class="align-left" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/speechlecture.jpg" data-entity-uuid="762c055d-4874-4c80-8e5d-30bf1021cc80" data-entity-type="file" alt="apj123" /><p class="title1">Voting is a Sacred Mission</p><p>Dear Citizens, Good evening. You might recall during my address to the nation on the eve of 55th Republic day 2004, I had appealed to you that all eligible voters must exercise their franchise without fear. As you are aware, India, the largest democracy in the World is going to elect the members of her 14th Loksabha and members of Legislative Assembly in four states. Dear Citizens, it is a great opportunity provided to you to elect the members who will be guiding the destiny of the nation for the next five years. The right to vote is a sacred right and an onerous responsibility that you owe to the motherland. Hence, exercising your franchise must become a priority activity for you and you should go for casting your vote positively.</p><p class="title1">Importance of voting in a democratic country</p><p>By casting your vote to a candidate who in your opinion can represent you in the Lok Sabha, you are sowing the seeds for creating a prosperous India, a happy India, a safe India, a secure India and above all an India with nobility. May I remind you, that by casting your vote, you will be fulfilling the aspirations of the children and the youth of our nation and create a powerful system that will make their dreams a reality.</p><p class="title1">Voters to give pleasant surprise to the nation</p><p>In a democracy, one important principle is the equality of every citizen. Time of election is an occasion when this can be demonstrated visibly. This is an opportunity for all of you, who are eligible to vote, to go to the booths and exercise your franchise. Therefore, I would request all the eligible voters both in urban and rural areas to give a pleasant surprise to the nation by going and voting in large numbers with your eligible family members.</p><p class="title1">Voter wins</p><p>I have been assured by the Election Commission that all the polling officers and professionals responsible for conduct of polls will provide easy-to-follow clarifications and guidance to the voters for their doubts, help them with a smile in exercising their franchise and be people friendly.</p><p class="title1">Conclusion</p><p>Dear voters, dawn of beautiful India is in your mind and then in your deeds. The deed for the day of the election for you is to cast your vote and be a proud contributor to the success of the spirit of democracy of the largest and dynamic democracy of all democracies.</p><p>Dear citizens, I appeal to all of you to go ahead and exercise your fundamental right to vote.</p><p class="last-word">May God Bless You.</p>