Young voters must shoulder responsibility of nation building in LS polls: Modi

While addressing the 52nd episode of 'Mann Ki Baat,' Modi said: "This year, our country will undergo Lok Sabha elections. The first time ever, young persons born in the 21st Century will exercise their Right to Vote in the Lok Sabha Elections. They face the opportunity to shoulder responsibilities pertaining to the country."

He said the young voters have embarked upon the journey of being partners in nation building.

"The time has come for a confluence of individual dreams and the nation’s dream. I urge the young generation to register themselves as voters, if they are eligible. All of us must realise that being a voter, earning the right to vote is an important rite of passage in one’s life; it’s one of its achievements," said he.

The PM said that voting is a sacred duty and to not able to vote should pain one.

"Simultaneously, the sentiment that voting is our sacred duty, should grow within us naturally. For any reason, if one is not able to vote, it should pain one. One should be saddened to witness any wrong taking place in the country," said he.

Quoting a person who will regret later for not voting, Modi said: “I had not cast my vote ... that day I did not go and vote ... and as a result, my Country has borne the brunt “.

He said that everyone should realise the importance of this responsibility.

"This must be our leaning; this should be our disposition. This inclination should be ingrained within us like a sanskaar. I urge eminent people of the country to come forward and jointly contribute in campaigning for spreading awareness on voter registration and casting one’s vote on the day of polling," said Modi.

"I sincerely hope that large numbers of eligible young people will get themselves registered as voters, thus forging a partnership in the quest to further strengthen our democracy," he added.