People take part in a voters’ awareness marathon organised by Sundargarh District Election Authority in Rourkela on Sunday.

A large number of youths, particularly college students, took part in the event that started from Birsa Chowk and ended at Udit Nagar parade ground. “It was not a competition but an awareness drive,” said one of the organisers.

The participants wore shirts that bore messages related to voting rights of people and the importance of casting votes. They carried banners and placards displaying such messages.

“Though the government declares the poll day as a holiday for all establishments, we find many people using the day for purposes other than voting. Even educated people are apathetic towards elections. They must understand that it’s their constitutional right and it is their duty to cast votes,” said Sarita Topno, a participant.

Text by our correspondent, picture by Uttam Kumar Pal