shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Article > Vote an honour for this young man

Vote an honour for this young man

Updated on: 02 July,2021 07:44 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Hemal Ashar | hemal@mid-day.com

Princess of Wales legacy lives on as Mumbai’s vote-you-must warrior Chaitanya Prabhu wins Diana Award

Vote an honour for this young man

Chaitanya Prabhu, The Diana Award winner, in Worli. Pics/Bipin Kokate

Chaitanya Prabhu, 22, founder and promoter-in-chief of a non-profit called Run to Register, which has a “Mark Your Presence” campaign as one of its initiatives that mobilizes young persons to go out and vote, smoothening the process for them, was recognised for his effort recently. Prabhu, a Worli resident, became recipient of The Diana Award in a virtual ceremony held on June 28. The Diana Award has been established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. Given by the eponymous charity, it is supported by both Princess Diana’s sons. The Award works on one core principle: ‘young people have the power to change the world’.


What started it


Prabhu said in 2018, “I realised through conversations with friends, that many of them were ineligible to vote, as they did not have voter IDs. Some were clueless about how to get these, very few could be concerned about getting themselves on the voter list.”


The law student then did research and started registering those who did not know how to, for voter eligibility. Said Prabhu, “There were some young persons who were eager and excited to be able to vote. They just did not know how to get on to the rolls. I started registering them.”

As Prabhu’s register to vote popularity graph showed an incline, “I had registered close to 300 persons and then more, the effort had a snowball effect. I got access to colleges where I spoke not just about the process of becoming a voter but how to become an educated and informed voter. I explained to students what is a constituency, what is an assembly… those who wanted to learn absorbed these concepts eagerly.”

Prabhu concentrated on making his audience aware about a strong base. “I told all those who wanted a voice in the electoral process, that first, they must be familiar with corporators in their area. Changes begin from the ground up. For instance, if you live in Andheri, know the representatives in the Andheri area,” said Prabhu. That, Prabhu said, resonated with many removing the intimidation from electoral and showing how one can begin at the roots and not be overwhelmed.

As registrations clocked in reaching 10,000 and more, he had to do other things to amplify his go and vote message. The avenue for the message had to be imaginative too, and soon, it was rap he turned too. The Gully Boys of the electoral process captured the essence in their spunky-funky lines. “We had a political rap, where three rappers rapped to this demographic about the importance of voting in 2019,” said Prabhu. On this journey, he also started ‘SheVotes’ yet another platform where the accent was on inspiring young women to vote.

Plans for the polls

‘Mark Your Presence’ is now looking at the 2024 elections, “and I have asked youth to prepare a manifesto of what they want from their elected representatives. Every election, we have manifestos of different political parties saying they will do this, that or the other if they come to power. This time, I have asked young persons to make a manifesto. We will coalesce all those manifestos and get it to the CM”s office,” said the Diana Award recipient. Prabhu, who is the son of an architect, signed off that he has no political affiliations or bias, but does believe registration for getting a voter’s ID is not as cumbersome as is believed. “If you do so correctly, it takes 7 minutes. Just 7 minutes of your life to strengthen democracy," he said.

The Diana Award

The Diana Award is a global award established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. It is given in recognition of outstanding humanitarian and social work, to those aged between 9 and 25 years. It was established in 1999 by the British Government, which wanted to continue Princess Diana’s legacy.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK