Over 30 NCC cadets from Pune’s Poonawalla school assist elderly persons at polling booths

“We have been selected by our school so that we can learn about the process of voting and also help the elderly persons at the polling booth. There are many who need wheelchairs and we also guide them to the booth-level officers,” said Shaikh who arrived as early as 6.30 am from Kondhwa to participate in this unique initiative.

“We are so happy and proud to be here. It is a great experience,” said Khopkar.

The girls are among 30 students selected by the school to collaborate with Samarth police station and assist senior citizens and the physically challenged at 7 polling stations, said Sachin Gaikwad, student coordinator at the school.

Among the polling stations are Agharkar Prathmik Vidyalaya at 15th August Chowk, B T Shahani School at Bhawani Peth, Bholagiri Prathmik Vidyalaya at Somwar Peth, and others.

Student awareness about voting key aim

Gaikwad, who also accompanied students at schools, said that their main aim was also to make students understand why this mammoth exercise of voting is taken up.

“They are extremely comfortable and looked after by the police staff,” said Sunita Jain, principal, Dr Cyrus Poonawalla school and junior college. As a pre-election awareness campaign, students of the school were also encouraged to take out cycle rallies and inspire people to vote for the nation.

“The initiative has been encouraged by W D Sancheti, chairman of Camp Education Society,” she added.

“Majority of the students are from Class 8-10 who participated in election awareness rallies, essay writing, rangoli making, and drawing competitions,” Jain said.